New commissioners sworn in

The Jackson County Commission

By Danielle Wallingsford Kirkland

Melinda Gilbert and Mike Sisk were sworn into their newly elected positions on the Jackson County Commission today at the county courthouse. 

Melinda Gilbert is sworn into office as a Jackson County Commissioner.

Commission Chairman Matthew Hodges welcomed the two new members on behalf of the current sitting members. Hodges told the new commissioners that four years ago the entire commission was newly elected and that in the beginning they had “a lot of figuring out to do.”

 

Mike Sisk is sworn into office as Jackson County Commissioner.

Hodges likened the journey to a train ride.

“I remember those first few days and months we found that we had jumped on a moving train,” Hodges said.  “And the past four years of service I believe that we learned a whole lot about what all is involved with that train. We learned that the train never stops and though it does not stop Jackson County is very fortunate we have good people, very good employees that keep our engine running and work to shape our future for the better and the seated commission and all the Jackson County employees will work to help you onto this train, to work with you to make Jackson County a better place for its people.”

Following the swearing in ceremony, the new commission held a brief introductory meeting where they approved commission policy and procedures, appointed Commissioner Jason Venable as the commissioner to preside in the chairman’s absence and set a new meeting time of Mondays at 4:30 p.m.

The next commission meeting will be held Monday, November 21 in the grand jury room at the courthouse. A budget meeting will be held the following morning at 9 a.m.