County commissioners have voted in favor of a resolution that would change the way the Polk County Water Authority operates in relation to its board members and its financial statements.

Commissioners voted to amend the Act of April 14, 1967 which created the Polk County Water Authority and its rules of governance.

The first change noted in the document is that “any board member of the Polk County Water Authority, at the discretion of the

Polk County Board of Commissioners, can be removed with a four to one vote.”

Ray Barber made a motion with a second by Billy Croker, which was approved with Phillip Bentley, Croker and Barber voting in favor. Marshelle Thaxton and Stefanie Buford voted no.

Chairman Jason Ward said he does not believe that any present or future Polk County Commissioner would vote to remove a water authority board member without “just cause.”

The second amendment is that “the Polk County Water Authority is to provide an annual financial report to the Polk County Board of Commissioners.”

A motion by Barber with a second by Bentley was unanimously approved.

The resolution was drafted by Brad McFall, county attorney, and presented to State Representative Trey Kelley.

Hopes are the new legislation will be passed during this session of the General Assembly. If no action is taken, the resolution could be introduced during the next legislative session.