BAKERSVILLE — At the last regular session of the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners on Monday, Nov. 2, Chairman Jacob Willis and Commissioner Danny Burleson received plaques and many kind words to thank them for their service to Mitchell County.
Commissioner Matthew “Vern” Grindstaff offered the plaques to his fellow commissioners.
“I know that all of you here, and in particular a few, know the time, effort, sacrifice and sometimes mental anguish that comes with serving as a commissioner,” Grindstaff said. “This evening being their last meeting, we want to take just a moment to show a small token of our appreciation.”
According to Grindstaff, the plaques read, “It is with sincere appreciation for your four years of dedicated service given to the citizens and employees of Mitchell County while serving as a member of the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners. Thank you for your service.”
“We appreciate y’all,” Grindstaff added. “I hope you know that the citizens of this county appreciate y’all too. I know that you know that sometimes it is at a cost of your own sleep and your time at the grocery store and so many things that go along with being a commissioner that folks don’t realize unless they’ve been there.”
Before the meeting ended, other commissioners and county employees shared words of appreciation with Willis and Burleson.
“It’s been my pleasure to have served with you two men,” Commissioner Jeff Harding said. “I consider you not only fellow commissioners, but friends. Your leadership, your tutelage and direction that you have provided has been on top of the game...thank you for taking your time to serve and serve the citizens of Mitchell County in a very professional way.”
Commissioner Steve Pitman shared his gratitude for everything the two commissioners taught him.
“I’ve learned a lot from you and I’ve really enjoyed working with you,” he said. “I’ve been friends with you both a lot longer than I ever was a commissioner, so I think the world of both of you and I wish you the best in your next years.”
County Attorney Lloyd Hise chimed in and said the two commissioners are leaving the county better than they found it.
“They came on about four and a half years ago and we’re in a whole lot better shape than we were then,” Hise said. “I think that’s the mark of a good commissioner, how you found it and how you left it. And you’re leaving it better than you found it.”
Willis thanked his fellow commissioner for the kind words and said he was proud to have served the citizens of Mitchell County.
“I appreciate all of you and I love all of you,” Willis said. “I appreciate your friendships very much and I appreciate our employees and the folks that work so hard every day. I wish the next board the best of luck and appreciate all of you. It’s been my honor and privilege to serve Mitchell County.”
Burleson said he echoed Willis and he appreciated the sentiments.
“I don’t say much, but I appreciate it,” he said.
Willis and Burleson will attend one more commissioners meeting, a public hearing regarding Mayland Community College on Monday, Nov. 23 at 5 p.m.
The next regular commissioners meeting will be held on Monday, Dec. 7, during which the newly elected commissioners will be sworn in. Harding will continue his tenure for two more years and Harley Masters and Brandon Dean Pittman will both be on the board for four years.