MADISON COUNTY (June 15, 2015) – The Madison County Commission met on Monday.  The regular monthly meeting lasted most of the morning and had a lengthy agenda.

In addition to the usual business the commissioners had to appoint a commissioner to fill the seat of Mark Johnstone. Johnstone resigned at the last meeting because of residential requirements.

Two applicants submitted resumes to seek nominations.

Local attorney, Jay Bush, who has not previously served on the commission but has been active in politics. Bush is the past chairman of the county republican party.  Adrian Eddleman, financial planner and local business owner.  Eddleman was previously a county commissioner for district 9.  He was defeated in the last county election by Tracey Carney.

On a first round vote the commissioners appointed Adrian Eddleman.  Eddleman won by a vote of 13 – 10.

The seat will be put on the next county election, which will be in March 2016.

The county legislative body also elected a new chairman.  Two commissioners were nominated for the position.  Commissioner Gary Deaton, and Commissioner Claudel Brown.

By a vote of 15 – 9 Gary Deaton was elected to the seat.  The commissioners will vote again in September for a one year term.

The commission also passed a tentative budget on first reading.  The local real property tax rate was set at $2.15.  The budget must pass  a second reading before the first of July to be accepted and submitted to the state.