By Peggy R. Shearin
Observer Correspondent

The Warren County Board of Commissioners made several changes in the county’s policy for appointing residents to committees and boards.
One of the changes, eliminating the requirement that those seeking appointment to the boards and committees appear before the commissioners, has been discussed off and on for some time.
In April there were several such appointments scheduled, but the folks who expected to be named were not simply because they were not in attendance.
At a work session held late in April, the commissioners discussed the matter again, and on Monday night of this week opted to eliminate the requirement on a split vote, with Commissioner Barry Richardson casting the lone dissenting vote.
The commissioners also eliminated the term limitations for people serving on committees, and the limit on the number of simultaneous terms a person can serve.
Both subjects had been discussed at the most recent work session, and the votes on these changes were unanimous.
After making the changes, the board then turned its attention to making several appointments. Among those were:
• James Reid and Carl Bender were re-appointed to three-year terms each on the Drewry Volunteer Fire Department tax board.
• Howard Smith was re-appointed to serve a second term on the ABC board. Myrlin Mimms was also considered, but the board opted to go with Smith.
• Pete Deschenes and Russell King were both reappointment to the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council.
In unrelated business, the board learned Charles Ayscue has been hired as the building and grounds manager, according to an announcement by Human Resources Manager Elgin Lane.
Ayscue will begin his duties on June 18 with a starting salary of $47,709.
In other business Monday, the board:
• Approved a resolution supporting the Kerr Tar Workforce Development Board.
• Unanimously approved a monthly lease agreement with the Soul City Parks and Recreation Committee. This agreement would incorporate the Magnolia Ernest Recreation Park into the county’s comprehensive recreation plan.
• Approved a lease agreement for 630 square feet of space in the Law Enforcement Building to be used as the probation and parole office at a cost of $525 per month. Included in the agreement is the heating and cooling of the facilities, water, adequate light, electrical sockets and toilet facilities. Janitorial services, supplies, maintenance and cleaning of the lawns, shrubbery, sidewalks and parking areas are also a part of the lease. All utilities, excepting telephone, are includws, as well as parking.
• Heard a report from Macon Robertson, public works director, regarding the improvements study on the wastewater treatment plant. Robertson was also before the board for approval of the contract change order for District III, phase I water system improvement, with the price decreasing by $74,857.10. Robertson praised Herring Rivenbank Contractors for coming in under budget.
• Heard a request by Eddie Mitchum, tax administrator, who asked the board to create a board of equalization and review for citizen participation. The board will consist of five members, and compensation per meeting for members will be $35.
• Set a public hearing, requested by Earl Evans of Red Earth CDC, regarding amendments for the Community Development Block Grant Scattered Sites Program Activities and the program budget, for May 24 at 9 a.m. in the Warren County Courthouse.