Hyde County Commissioners Restructure Local Government

The action passed in a 4-1 vote, with Dick Tunnel casting a "Nay" vote and Anson Byrd, Barry Swindell and John Fletcher voting "Aye." Earl Pugh Jr. abstained from voting, citing he didn't feel he had enough information as a newcomer to make a decision. The county attorney informed the board that abstaining from voting counted as a "yes" vote.

The action came under a new board of commissioners. John Fletcher, Anson Byrd and Earl Pugh Jr, took oaths of office administered by Hyde County Clerk of Court Sharon Sadler as part of the meeting's first order of business. They then took their seats as commissioners.

Barry Swindell was unanimously voted as chairman and Dick Tunnel was unanimously voted in as vice chairman.

Also as part of the new board's re-organization, Averi Simmons was appointed as clerk to the board of commissioners, Justin Gibbs was appointed deputy clerk and Fred Holshier was appointed as county attorney.

No specific reason was given for dismissing Smith. Several commissioners cited comments of disapproval from the public regarding Smith's job. Chairman Swindell directed staffers, including elected department heads, to meet today (Tuesday, December 4) to discuss expectations while there is no county manager on duty. Swindell said commissioners would be working in the next month to define the job description, conduct the interview process and hire a new county manager.

The board also restructured the regularly scheduled meetings, changing to a once-a-month meeting schedule on the first Monday of each month. In the event that the Monday falls on a holiday, the meeting will take place the following day (Tuesday). The next meeting of the Hyde County Board of Commissioners will take place Monday, January 7.