Oversight committee discussed Tuesday

The Grand Jury for the adjourned September Term 2018 recommended the Grady County Commission appoint an oversight committee to serve as a check and balance on county finances in coordination with the board of commissioners.
On Tuesday night, Grady County Administrator J.C. (Buddy) Johnson III, presented the board with an overview of his recommendations concerning the formation of such a committee for the board’s review.
Johnson is recommending each of the five commissioners appoint a citizen from his or her respective district to serve on the body along with two commissioners.
The administrator stipulated the committee would be an “advisement committee” and would not be permitted to disrupt the day-to-day operations of county government.
During the public participation portion of the meeting Tuesday night, John Monds and Betty Godwin were nominated as possible committee members by local resident Peter Wright.
Linda Aycock-Spires, the foreman of the Grand Jury, also expressed her interest in serving.
Commissioner Ray Prince said committee members should be people who handle large sums of money or have an accounting background.
“I’ve adopted this as my baby and I want to see it is done properly,” Aycock-Spires said.
Commissioner Keith Moye suggested interested citizens could submit applications for the board’s consideration.
Marie Echols, a resident of south Grady County, suggested the county develop a job description including guidelines and preferred qualifications so that citizens would know what the board was expecting in a committee member. Echols said it did not have to be anything formal.
“We could do that,” Grady County Commission Chairman LaFaye Copeland said.
The commissioners do not plan to move forward until a fifth commissioner is selected in the upcoming March 19 special election to fill the vacancy created by the recent resignation of District 5 Commissioner T.D. David.
The Grand Jury expressed concern with audit findings in the county’s 2017 audited financial statements and they heard testimony from auditor Perry Henry on Dec. 13, 2018.
County officials note that since that audit, a new county administrator, finance director and clerk have been hired and are on board.