by Rebecca J. Barnabi Reporter - From The Caroline Progress
MILFORD - The Caroline County Board of Supervisors is making some headway in filling key leadership positions in county government. Five candidates have been interviewed for the position of fire-EMS chief, which has been vacant since David Layman resigned June 20 of last year. In addition, the board recently voted to advertise to fill the position of county administrator. Alan Partin has been serving as interim county administrator since Percy Ashcraft resigned nearly a year ago to accept the top government job of Prince George County near Hopewell.
Another key position remains unfilled. Joey Schiebel has served as the county's interim utilities director since late fall of 2010. John Boryschuk resigned the post in October 2010. The issue of filling the utilities director post surfaced during the board's regular meeting on Tuesday of last week. As discussion began about a contract to update the county's water master plan began, chairman Wayne Acors suggested the board hold a work session on the matter Jan. 24. However, Supervisor Calvin Taylor questioned moving forward with the water planning process before hiring a utilities director. "For me, personally, I have every faith and confidence in Mr. Schiebel," said Supervisor Floyd Thomas. "We need to keep moving, because that's kind of critical to our life," Thomas added.
In another move related to filling the vacancies, the board approved reimbursement of travel expenses for candidates who have interviewed for the fire-EMS chief position. Ron Curlings of Ruther Glen asked the supervisors to endorse a plan by veterans organizations to sponsor a fishing tournament April 28 at Mount Olympus Berry Farm for wounded members of the military. He also requested the county provide an EMT for the event. The supervisors readily agreed.
The board briefly discussed the Bowling Green Primary School building project, which it will take up again at a joint meeting with the School Board Jan. 24 and its regular meeting later that evening. Three Bowling Green residents thanked the board for holding a series of meetings with the School Board in recent months to move the school building project forward.
Frank Gee thanked the supervisors for their "willingness to serve your county" and for increasing funding for the school building project.
Melissa Lewis, a mother of three, thanked the board for its willingness to continue negotiations on the school building project and to provide "education of children in a safe and secure site." She said the board "made wonderful steps in the right direction."
Linnea Woolridge, a mother of two, pressed the supervisors not to waver in supporting the school building project. "I am prepared to see a few more cents" on the real estate tax rate, said Woodridge. Unsafe conditions exist in the school, she said, and children have to wear coats on cold days to ward off the chill. "Do not betray the trust of the citizens of Caroline," she said.
Supervisor Reggie Underwood said that the board does not take funding decisions lightly, and Acors said the supervisors have demonstrated that they are sincere about making the project become a reality. "This position the board took was not taken lightly," said Acors, who added that the building being planned will be the best for students.
The board also approved the abandonment of a portion of Sorrell Lane (Route 760).