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Melton becomes vice-chairman, awards given to Polk County employees

 

COLUMBUS—The Polk Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday, December 4 began with awards being presented to government employees who have devoted years of service in the county. The employees celebrating five years of service were Victoria Adams, Travis Ballard, Patricia Bradley, Hillary Cole, Riley Hembry, Randy Harry, Julie Jolly, Cynthia Pearson and Sheriff Tim Wright. The ten-year employees were Bobby Arledge, Dawn Jordan, Karen McIntyre and Jennifer Pace. The employees celebrating 20 and 25 years were David Wisegerber and Sheila Ford, respectively.

“What we have in this county is dedicated employees,” said Commissioner Andre Overholt. “People that are dedicated to their job, dedicated to their task and dedicated to this county.”

Next on the agenda was naming Myron Yoder as the new chairman. The chairman serves a one year term, at which point they may be reinstated. Tommy Melton has served as chairman six different times, including for the past two years.

Melton, who has stepped into the role of vice-chairman, emotionally addressed those in attendance.

“There are no words to express the gratitude that this board has given me, what the county manager has done,” Melton said. “It has been an honor to serve as chairman. I want to thank each and everyone one of you”

In another emotional moment, Michelle Fortune gave her final report as CEO of St. Luke’s Hospital. Fortune will depart St. Luke’s Hospital on December 31.

Polk County Tax Administrator Melissa O’Loughlin then addressed the board, explaining that the Polk License Plate Agency received a cash bonus reward from the state. The agency was rated as ‘top tier,’  scoring a 100% on their yearly audit, meaning there were zero errors for the year. The audit is based on documentation, inventory and having proper cameras and signage. O’Loughlin recognized the staff and presented them with a plaque, commemorating their work. 

The board also approved the names of seven new roads in Polk County. Steam Shovel Pike Rd., Iron Ave., Gold Bend Rd., Copper Way and Lead Fork Rd. in the White Oak area were named,. as well as Copper Fox Ln. in Green Creek.