By Betsy Finklea
The Latta Town Council voted 4-3 against reappointing Ernest Barrentine as the town clerk-treasurer on Thursday night.
According to a draft copy of the minutes, “Councilman (Trudy) Drawhorn made the  motion to appoint Ernest Barrentine as Clerk/Treasurer.  Councilman (Abbott) Shelley seconded the motion.  The vote was recorded as follows:  (Abbott) Shelley – Aye, (Alex) Stoops – Nay,  (Trudy) Drawhorn – Aye,  (Nancy) Brigman – Aye, (Lutherine) Williams – Nay, (James) Reaves – Nay, and (Brian) Mason – Nay.  Motion failed.  Mayor Brigman asked Mr. Barrentine if he would remain and continue taking the minutes. Mr. Barrentine agreed.  Mayor Brigman asked if Council wished for her to contact Harold Kornblut to handle day to day business of the office until a replacement could be found or if Council would like Mr. Barrentine to remain until a replacement could be found.  After a brief discussion, Mr. Barrentine agreed to remain until a replacement could be hired.”
Several council members were contacted by e-mail for a comment.
Mayor Nancy Brigman made the following statement, “Ernest Barrentine has performed his duties as Clerk/Treasurer for the Town of Latta satisfactorily.  For the past four years we have had a favorable audit report at the end of each year.  I approve Mr. Barrentine’s performance in this position.”
Councilman Alex Stoops, Jr. said, “I was elected to represent the citizens of our town. In doing so I expect only the best from the employees of our town. My vote was based on my interaction with the clerk over the past few months. I felt that our citizens  would be better served if we made a change in that position.  I can not speak for the other members of the council.  Seeing how the vote went, however, I would think a majority of us were in agreement.”
Barrentine has held the position since 2010. Prior to this position, Barrentine served the town as an administrative judge, associate judge, and municipal judge for  6 1/2 years.
The clerk-treasurer has a number of responsibilities including serving as clerk to council, overseeing the finances and payroll, serving as the benefits administrator and human resources and other related duties.
The town ordinance in section 2.32.010 states that “At the time appointed for the regular election of officers of the town, there shall be elected by the council an officer to be  known as the clerk and treasurer of the town, who shall hold the office for a one-year term or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified unless removed from office by the council.”
The Herald is informed that Barrentine has 30 days to request a public hearing. This hearing must be advertised at least one week in advance in the newspaper.