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In a brief reorganization meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 2, the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors voted to change the date of its monthly meetings. 

For the new year, supervisors will meet the second Wednesday of each month beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 1 p.m.

The following month, in February, supervisors will meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30.

During the reorganizational meeting, board members expressed the reason for the change, noting that board member packets and details about each meeting are distributed on the Friday before the Monday meeting, which at times does not give members or the public time to review the information.

In addition to meeting date changes, supervisors voted on a chairman and vice chairman to lead the board through the new year. 

On a motion by Supervisor Walt Bailey, Chairman Gary Walker was unanimously voted to remain as Chairman of the board. “I appreciate your confidence in me and will do my best for another year,” Walker said after the vote.

As for Vice Chairman, Supervisor Butch Shook nominated Walt Bailey for the position.

Bailey was unanimously chosen as Vice Chairman.

Supervisors also elected to approve participation in meetings by remote access if needed.

According to County Administrator Dan Witt, there still must be a quorum present to have a meeting, and the option for remote participation can be used for family emergencies or personal reasons that arise where members can not participate in person.

“I encourage it not to be a habit,” Witt said.

Witt said this option became available because of COVID-19 and has been carried over so that supervisors can continue to participate remotely if needed.