Task force outlines role of chairmanship

Columbia County's Chairmanship Task Force got down to business Wednesday night.

After two meetings filled with questions about voter intent, task force worth and legislative subterfuge, members finally focused on their mission statement.

"This doesn't say 'Help us figure this out since there was a murky vote,"' task force Chairman Ed Rees said. "We're not meeting to discuss whether it was right or wrong."

Instead, the mission statement - issued by a unanimous vote of the county commission - instructs the task force to implement what voters approved in November 2000: Adding an at-large elected chairman to a four-member commission.

"If they give us the opportunity for input, we should take it," Rees said. "If they give us the opportunity for input and we don't take it, then shame on us."

Despite not having a quorum at the meeting, members talked about what powers the chairman should have - a vote on the board and the ability to appoint members to some committees, but no veto.

"Our goal is to keep it as little as necessary to get the job done," Rees said.

Members also reiterated their support for a part-time chairman, paid $10,500 annually.

The task force also touched on ways to implement the four-member commission.

"We need to have (the terms) staggered," said E. Bernie Florie Jr.

The issue of the number of districts tied up the task force's discussion during the last meeting. This time, members didn't let the discussion drift.

"If we keep talking about it, we may never finish," Mike Holliman said.

MeetingThe task force will meet again - perhaps for the final time - Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 7 p.m. in the Evans Government Center Auditorium.