Polk County Commission honors Bentley, approves salary enhancement

Outgoing county commissioner Phillip Bentley receives a proclamation from chairman Marshelle Thaxton

Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Polk County Board of Commissioners marked the last for one commissioner, who will be leaving the commission come the first of the year.

Commissioner Phillip Bentley, who has been on the commission for the past four years, lost in his reelection bid for post 2 in the May primary to Republican challenger Jennifer Hulsey.  She will be sworn in during the January 2015 meeting.

Commissioners honored Bentley with a proclamation, presented by commission chairman Marshelle Thaxton on behalf of the entire board.

In other business, commissioners approved a special land use permit to operate a wedding venue on approximately 141 acres at 1907 Old Cedartown Road.  The site is currently zoned A-1.  Owners Sharon and Wendell Fincher presented the business plan to the Polk County Planning and Zoning Commission back in late November.  The commission had no objection to the plan.

Commissioners also approved a 2% salary enhancement check for all county employees who have been with the county for over a year.  County Manager Matt Denton said the action would cost $148,000.  Commissioner Billy Crocker had originally requested the salary enhancement.  Commissioners voted 4-1 in favor with Commissioner Jason Ward voting no