The Yadkin County Commissioners met on Monday, Dec. 1, for their regular meeting. The agenda was very light. There were no public comments and the Commissioners almost immediately adjourned into closed session to handle items regarding economic development and personnel.

Contract approved

A contract with Haymes Brothers, the construction company that won the bid for the construction of the 5-D project, was submitted for approval. Chairman Phillips called for a motion. Commissioner Garner asked county attorney Jim Graham if he had reviewed the contract and approved it, to which Graham stated he had. County Manager Stan Kiser questioned a previous insurance issue. Graham explained how this was being handled. The contract was approved 5-0.

Two items that failed to be included in the budget as standard budgeted items for animal control were approved for the budget 5-0.

Resolutions approved

The board voted unanimously to approve required resolutions on two matters approved at a prior meeting. A resolution regarding the secondary road improvement plan passed 5-0.

The resolution setting a public hearing for a proposed installment financing agreement for the Yadkin County Jail passed 4-1, with Commissioner Brady Wooten voting against the measure.

This resolution allows the county manager to send notice to lending institutions via a "Request for Proposal" to submit their bids for an installment loan. The commissioners will then review and choose the best proposal. The public hearing was set for Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. in the commissioner's room.

During an interview after the meeting, Brady Wooten stated that he voted against this issue because he is opposed to putting the jail on Hoots Road and he does not think the jail should be outside the town limits.

"I don't think we ought to waste the taxpayer's money by scheduling a public hearing," Wooten said. "There are too many questions that still need to be answered regarding due diligence."

Sitting Commissioners receive awards

Kiser presented Garner, Wooten and Wagoner with a plaque of the names and a photograph of the 2006-2008 commissioners and thanked them for their work.

Kiser then presented departing commissioners Phillips and Cornelius with a plaque of "recognition for their dedication and service to Yadkin County."

Phillips requested that she be appointed as liaison to the board from Baptist Hospital that will handle negotiations for a new contract for operation of Hoots Hospital. Phillips also mentioned that the Phillips' have opened a dental clinic on the grounds of Hoots Hospital.

Commissioner Wooten again thanked Phillips and Cornelius for their service to Yadkin County.

Swearing in of new commissioners

Clerk of Court Wayne Dixon swore in each new commissioner individually in a solemn ceremony.

The new commissioners took their places at the table and Graham took the center chair to direct the reorganization of the board.

Garner immediately nominated Chad Wagoner as chairman, who was approved. Garner then nominated Kevin Austin as vice chairman; Austin was elected unanimously.

Wagoner was requested to take the center chair and refused. He said he was comfortable where he was sitting next to the attorney. He thanked the other commissioners.

"I would like to say thank you and sincerely appreciate the confidence you have in me," he said. "I hope that I can do the office the justice it deserves."

The sitting commissioners welcomed the new commissioners. Moxley congratulated Wagoner and Austin on their positions and stated he looked forward to working with everyone.

Austin thanked Phillips and Cornelius for their service. He continued with a challenge to the board.

"I do hope the board will be willing to listen to the public and thoroughly evaluate their ideas before making decisions," he said.

During an interview after the meeting Austin said he believed the election showed that the citizens supported his ideas for the future of Yadkin County, including economic development and other issues, as well as the jail location. He said he looked forward to working to meet the needs of Yadkin County.

Garner said he was looking forward to working with both of the new comers. "Look at what's best for the majority of the county constantly," he said.

During an interview after the meeting Garner restated his position that he believes the new commissioners are intelligent enough to lead the county forward.

"We need to be careful of special interest groups," he said. "Unless they come up with an idea that is in the best interest of the whole county, then forego it."

Wagoner discussed the upcoming legislative goals conference and encouraged all board members to attend. He provided that they were required to nominate a voting delegate to attend the conference and that he had arranged his schedule in order to attend. He was nominated and approved as delegate.

Kiser submitted his report regarding repairs to the courthouse. They are in the process of getting cost estimates and he will bring that information back to the board at a future date.

Financial planning

Kiser has been in contact with Janice Burke, who has previously conducted financial modeling for the county. He felt that because there is a new county manager and new commissioners, that it would be beneficial to have her return to assist in future financial planning. The board agreed and requested that she attend the first January meeting. Austin requested that the commissioners be provided with her information prior to her presentation and Kiser agreed to make that request.

Kiser reminded the board that the budget process begins during December and that his office would be providing packets of information to the commissioners.

Closing comments

Closing comments were brief. Most restated comments made previously during the meeting. Moxley ask that everyone keep in his or her thoughts and prayers the wife of Yadkin County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Jason Vestal, who was in an auto accident on Friday and is in serious condition.

Garner used his comment time to put forth a motion that Phillips be appointed as liaison to hospital board. He felt it would be advantageous to have someone who is already on the inside of this group to serve in this position. This was unanimously approved.

Wagoner reminded everyone that the new dental clinic at Hoots Hospital will hold an open house on Sunday from 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Wooten asked that they be notified of board appointments that need to be made. Wagoner agreed and asked the clerk to compile a list of those appointments to provide to the commissioners and stressed that if anyone had a particular position they were interested in, even if someone was already in that position to make their interest known.

The meeting was adjourned. The next commissioners meeting will be 7 p.m. Dec. 15.