Commissioners discuss personnel policy

The August meeting of the Emanuel County Board of Commissioners was held Monday, August 19, 2024, in the Emanuel County Courthouse. Present were Commissioners Kawame Coleman, Hugh Foskey, Timmy Oliver, Jim Sherrod and Ricky Thompson. Administrator Guy Singletary, County Clerk Halei Lamb and County Attorney Richard McNeely were also in attendance. Chairman Foskey opened the meeting and welcomed media representatives and visitors. Following the Invocation and pledge of Allegiance, the minutes of the previous meeting and workshop meeting were presented and approved. In the first order of business, Kimberly Christian addressed the commissioners on behalf of Coleman Lake Restaurant and the possibility of authorization of Sunday sales of alcohol at that location. Ms. Christian explained that a growing number of patrons who regularly dine there on Sunday continue to express interest in the addition of alcoholic beverage service at the restaurant. Asking for guidance from the county on how to pursue the issue, Ms. Christian said she was introducing the subject at this time mainly to explore the possibility with the help of the commissioners. County Attorney McNeely and Administrator Singletary agreed that more research on the legal specifics would be the first step in addressing the issue. The next agenda item for the evening concerned the county’s policy on leave for long- and short-term illness and other circumstances requiring extended time away from work. Administrator Singletary reported that the county’s established policy for its 185 full-time employees would benefit from adjustments for more flexibility in administration and provision. The specific items of enhancement presented to the commissioners were accepted by motion and unanimous approval. The final agenda item for the meeting dealt with air conditioning and heat at the Emanuel County Courthouse. Administrator Singletary reported that major work was required to restore full service of the HVAC system. Following discussion, the Commissioners agreed to the replacement of the necessary parts not to exceed a total of $70,000. This concluded the agenda items, but Administrator Singletary, in closing, informed the group that the county budget for the coming year had been completed and would be presented for comment and adoption on August 29. The new budget will reflect a half a mill rollback to offset any increases in valuation. Following this, the Board moved into Executive Session for discussion of a personnel issue. When returning to regular order, the Board discussed renewing its contract with Administrator Guy Singletary with the provision for future renewals. The Board voted unanimously to accept such motion. The meeting was adjourned.

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