The first matter on the agenda today was the selection ofchairman and vice chairman.

“No reflection on anybody,” Manning said, “Mr. (James) Pierce has been chairman for several years.”

Manning's nomination of Vernon Bryant as chair fell to a 3-3 vote. Manning, Bryant and Rachel Hux voted in favor of the nomination while Pierce, Carolyn Johnson and Marcelle Smith opposed it.

Manning then made the motion to nominate Pierce as chair, which passed unanimously.

Manning was selected as vice chair on a 4-2 vote, with Johnson and Smith casting dissenting votes.

“I thank the board for allowing me to serve in this capacity for one more year,” Pierce said.

Manning said this afternoon it did not bother him he was nominated as vice chair on a split vote.

He said he nominated Bryant for chairman because, “I felt like it would be good to have a well trained individual to take over. Mr. Pierce has been there for several years.”

Manning said the merger issue was not a factor in nominating Bryant.

In another matter today, the board recognized the retirements of two employees — Gwen Matthews, public utilities director, and Cathey F. Ralph, a CPS Social Worker.

Johnson, left, recognizes Matthews with a resolution.

Matthews spent 30 years in local government, according to a resolution from the county.

“You have generously given of your time to make Halifax County a better place in which to live for all our citizens,” County Manager Tony Brown said in a letter to Matthews. The same letter was written to Ralph.

“I've enjoyed working these past 30 years,” Matthews said. “It's time to retire. I want to enjoy time with my grandchildren and husband. It's been a joy.”

Manning recognizes Ralph.

Ralph spent 19 years in local government, her resolution said.

“I have enjoyed it,” she said. “It's time to go home.”

In another matter, the county received a clean audit report from the firm Martin Starnes and Associates.