ELIZABETHTOWN — For the second straight meeting, the issue of photographs came before the Bladen County commissioners on Monday.
On June 5, the board voted 5-4 to approve the photographs of county commissioners to be matted, framed and hung in county facilities. But Commissioner Russell Priest, who voted in favor of the photographs, wanted the issue revisited.
“I’d like to have the issue put on the July 17 agenda,” he said, “so that we can discuss it again and for a possible re-vote.”
During the discussion that followed, the board was told that Wanda Britt had offered to donate her labor in matting and framing the photographs — a total cost of about $800 — reducing the overall cost of the project from $2,250 to $1,450.
“When I looked at this, I saw that it would be less than 13 cents apiece for taxpayers,” said Commissioner Ray Britt, who also voted in favor of the photographs two weeks ago. “I’ve learned if you give a little you can get a whole lot … so giving a little now might pay dividends down the road when we’re trying to bring a million-dollar deal to Bladen County.”
Commissioner Ashley Trivette, who opposed the expenditure for the photographs, asked the board what the benefit is to the county and Commissioner Michael Cogdell — who proposed having the photographs done — took on the question.
“I get asked all the time by people who want to know who their commissioner is,” he said. “Any other county you go, they have pictures of their leaders … I just thought it would be a joyous thing for Bladen County to do the same. And its a good PR thing.”
Chairman Charles Ray Peterson, an opponent of the photographs, said he didn’t think photographs of county commissioners was necessary.
“I think if you’re going to have pictures in the health department or DSS or anywhere, they should be pictures of the people in charge of those facilities,” he added.
The entire discussion, however, may be moot.
“I have people, private donors willing to pick up the expense so there will not be a burden on the county,” Cogdell told the board. “And I will bring them here July 17.”
County Manager Greg Martin was directed to put the issue on the July 17 agenda.
In other action on Monday, the board:
— Approved a request from Bladen County Schools for an application to the Public School Building Capital Fund to use lottery money for the repair of three school roofs. Those schools are Bladenboro Primary at a cost of $141,625; Bladenboro Middle at a cost of $117,053; and a separate roof at Bladenboro Middle at a cost of $58,300.
— Approved a request by Bladen County Public Library Director Kelsey Edwards to hold a “Food for Fines” drive from June 26-30, which would allow those with book fines to repay them with canned goods. Edwards said the library system had already met its fine collection goal for the fiscal year, and any canned goods would be donated to the Bladen Crisis Food pantry.
— Approved a bid and private sale with 90-day extension for a foreclosed property owned by the county. The bid was for $4,446.50 and is the same cost the county encountered at foreclosure.
— Recognized three retiring county employees for their years of service. They were Cereca Newkirk after 30 year with DSS; Johnice Autry after 27 years with Teen Court/Cooperative Extension; and Vicki Pait after 14 years with the health department.
The board will not meet on Monday, July 3, and county offices will be closed Tuesday, July 4, to observe the Fourth of July holiday. The next meeting of the county commissioners will be Monday, July 17, at 6:30 p.m.
W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.
