By Danny Barrett Jr.

danny.barrett@vicksburgpost.com

 

Warren County made no changes Monday in the makeup of its group of 10 appointed positions tasked with crafting the operating budget, overseeing road projects and legal defense, among other jobs.

Staying on as board president is District 4 Supervisor Bill Lauderdale, while District 2 Supervisor William Banks remains vice-president. Outside of conducting board meetings, each the two titles are largely ceremonial and represent the county at public functions. County Administrator John Smith, County Engineer John McKee and Road Manager Buddy Poole were kept on in their respective roles. Votes on all five were unanimous.

The three jobs re-appointed formally are among 10 so-called “will-and-pleasure” positions that supervisors may consider at any time. Most reappointments and new appointments coincide with the first meeting of a calendar year. The list also includes the county board’s attorney, the director of emergency management, purchasing clerk, inventory clerk, fire coordinator, information technology chief and environmental officer. None of the latter seven were considered formally on Monday.

Monday’s votes came without discussion, typical of in-progress administrations when changes are rare. In November, the attorney position came open when Marcie Southerland took a job with the District Attorney’s office. Blake Teller was appointed to fill the slot.

All five supervisors on the county board are up for re-election this year, as are officeholders in 24 county and district races to appear on Warren County ballots.

Qualifying ends Feb. 27 for local and statewide candidates. Primaries are Aug. 4 and the general election is Nov. 3.