Commissioners change form of county government

By Lisa Majors-Duff

With these words, Jackson County's elected manager announced the results of a 3-2 vote that will most likely put him out of a job and bring Jackson County government in line with North Carolina's other 99 counties.

Elected chairman of the county board in 1998, Jay Denton assumed the role of full-time county manager soon after he and four other newly-elected commissioners were sworn in. As one of their first officials acts, the new board members rescinded a 1996 resolution that eliminated the county's 150-year tradition of electing a full-time commissioner to serve as both county manager and board chairman.

Neither Denton nor Commissioner Franz Whitmire voted for the resolution prepared and presented by Commissioner Stacy Buchanan during the Nov. 29 meeting.

"I told everyone that I was running on the elected county manager, and I got more votes than my opponent," Denton said. "As we talk about campaign promises, I did tell the people I'd serve as their county manager."

"I think it would be totally unfair to (Denton) for him to be tossed out because of this vote," said Whitmire, referring to the results of Nov. 7's non-binding referendum question.

The local electorate voted 6,532-4,024 (62 percent) to change Jackson County's form of government in early November; they rejected the same idea in 1992 by a 53 percent margin.

"I've thought about it long and hard, and I would ask the board to allow me to serve out my term," Denton said. "It's fair to me to ask for some length of time, and it's fair to the voters to tell them what we are going to do."

Agreeing with Denton on this point, Commissioner Conrad Burrell opposed Buchanan's suggestion that a new county manager be employed by Jan. 1.

"I don't think we should hire a county manager in January," said Burrell, who suggested July 1, the beginning of the next fiscal year, as a more appropriate starting date. "If we don't have a (county manager) by July 1, then (Denton) should be allowed to stay on."

The resolution was modified to reflect Burrell's suggestion.

After some discussion about appointing a search committee, during which Buchanan suggested each member of the board nominate someone and that representatives of Western Carolina University and Southwestern Community College be invited to participate, Denton pointed out that qualifications and a salary range will "need to be ironed out."

To the issue of salary, Buchanan had another suggestion. The average of salaries being paid to county managers in Transylvania, Macon and Haywood counties could serve as a starting point, he said.

"I think it would be wrong of me to give up (the job) now," Denton said following the meeting. "I planned to stay the full four years, but my job now is to facilitate this transition, and we still have another budget to prepare."

As for his plans for the future, Denton said, "I don't know what I'll do. I'd like to use the experience I've had over the last two years. I like public service."

Resolution to change Jackson County's form of government

Whereas, out of the One Hundred Counties in North Carolina, Jackson County is currently the only county that does not operate with an appointed, professionally trained, County Manager; and

Whereas, a non-binding referendum was held on Tuesday, November 7th 2000; and

Whereas, the results concluded that an overwhelming majority of the citizens prefer a County Government structure that incorporates a professionally qualified County Manager rather than having the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners serve as Manager; and

Whereas, it is in the best interest of Jackson County Leaders to listen to the will of the people; and

Whereas, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners on the 29th day of November 2000 resolve to adopt the County Manager form of Government.

Now, therefore, be it resolved:

1. That the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, pursuant to G.S. 153A-81, of the North Carolina General Statutes, does hereby adopt the County Manager plan to become effective January 1, 2000.

2. That pursuant to G.S. 153-81, the Board shall appoint a County Manager solely on the basis of his/her executive and administrative qualifications.

3. The County Manager shall be the chief administrator of County Government in Jackson County and be responsible to the Board of Commissioners for the administration of all departments of County Government under the Board's general control and shall further have confirmed upon him all the duties and powers prescribed by G.S. 153-82 of the General Statutes of North Carolina.

4. The Chairman of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners shall be the presiding officer of the Board as provided by G.S. 153-39 and shall have powers and duties prescribed by Statute by the Board.

5. The Chairman of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners shall be paid the sum of $12,800 a year in the same manner as the Part-Time Commissioners are paid.

6. The Chairman of Jackson County Board of Commissioners has agreed to continue serving as County Manager until June 30, 2001.

7. The County will appoint a Search Committee to assist the County in selecting a County Manager. The Search Committee is specifically charged to: (a) Review all applications submitted and screen for qualifications; (b) Interview such applicants as it deems necessary; (c) Present to the Board of Commissioners a final slate of three applicants; (d) Conduct all meetings in accordance with the Open Meetings Law of North Carolina pursuant to G.S. 143-318.9; (e) Conduct its affairs without regard to political affiliation and in a manner which promotes the professionalism of the position and in the best interest of the citizens of Jackson County.

This the 29th day of November 2000.

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