By Jessie Burchette
Salisbury Post
With a continuing shortage of people wanting to serve on county boards, commissioners may be ready to get out the axe.
Monday evening, the Rowan County Board of Commissioners faced filling three vacancies on the Planning Board.
They had one applicant. Terry Hill, the board’s current chairman, filed an application for reappointment. Commissioners unanimously reappointed him.
Three vacant spots on the Landmarks Commission drew only one application.
Commissioners unanimously appointed James Rollans to one of the three spots.
Commissioner Jon Barber expressed concern that the county isn’t getting enough applications.
Chairman Arnold Chamberlain suggested the answer may be to reduce the size of the boards. He noted that commissioners reduced the Planning Board from 11 to nine members last year.
“We can cut it to seven members,” said Chamberlain, suggesting that would help solve the shortage of applicants.
If commissioners haven’t received sufficient applications by their Feb. 4 meeting, Chamberlain indicated, he’s ready to cut the size of the boards.
The vacant Planning Board seats were previously held by Rick Hudson and Steve Russell.
Hudson announced recently that he has accepted a job with the federal government in northern Virginia. He also submitted his resignation as the Planning Board representative on the Land Use Steering Committee.
Two Planning Board members, Melanie Earle and Carl Ford, applied for the steering committee slot.
On a split vote, commissioners selected Earle over Ford.
Commissioners Jim Sides and Tina Hall supported Ford. Chamberlain, Vice Chairman Chad Mitchell and Barber supported Earle.
Rowan residents interested in serving on a county board may contact the county manager’s office at 704-216-8180, or go to the county Web site at www.co.rowan .nc.us, click on “Commission,” then click on “Application for Board Members.” The site has a list of board seats that are currently open as well as a complete listing of all boards, members and terms of office.
Contact Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254 or jburchette @salisburypost.com.