By Betsy Finklea
A new chair and vice-chair were elected at the Dillon County Council’s first meeting of the new year on Tuesday, January 3rd.
The current chairman T.F. “Buzzy” Finklea, Jr., opened the meeting and stated that he had been chairman for the past two years and had been both chairman and vice-chairman several times in the past and had enjoyed it, but thought it was time for someone else to have a chance for these two positions. He asked that no ballots be cast for him for either positiion.
Then ballots were passed out for the council members to vote for chairman. Councilman Stevie Grice won this with six out of seven votes. One vote was not cast for anyone.
A ceremonial passing of the gavel was held with Finklea passing the gavel to and switching seats with Grice.

The vote was held for vice-chairman. Detrice Dawkins won this unanimously with all seven votes being cast for her.
The votes for chairman and vice-chairman are the only votes by council that take place by secret ballot. All other votes are done by a show of hands.
Prior to the meeting, Councilman Stevie Grice was sworn in by Judge Mackie Hayes. New councilman Kenny Cook was sworn in by Judge Lutherine Williams.
Councilman Robbie Coward chose to be sworn in on another date at another location.