The Polk County Commission’s first meeting of the year on Jan. 3 saw several key changes to the board, as a new chairman and vice-chairman were named.

Commissioner David Jarvis was voted to replace Billy Croker as chairman, while Commissioner Ray Barber was voted to replace Sandra Galloway as vice-chairman.

The newly arranged commission will be deciding on several key issues in the coming months, which were discussed at an earlier work session, held on Dec. 30. Discussions centered on the proposed land use plan and other happenings around the county.

At the work session, commissioners stated that the Coosa Valley RDC had been selected as a consultant for the county’s comprehensive plan. Cedartown had been reluctant about selecting a consultant, but Croker said that the plan must move forward because it must be submitted by July.

However, County Manager Wayne Johnson said, “I think those things can be worked around. I don’t see that as being a big stumbling block.”

Commissioner Roger Waldrop agreed and stated that the county should move forward with the plan.

“Let’s move on with what we know is right,” he said.

The search for an assistant county manager is also under way. At the Jan. 3 meeting, Johnson said that the county had received 17 applications so far and that there is no cut off date for submissions. All local candidates will be interviewed, he said.

Commissioners also revealed that the Georgia State Patrol has relocated into its new facility. The building, located behind the Polk County Safety Complex on Highway 278, also includes a meeting room for commissioners and tentative plans are to hold February’s commission meeting there.

However, commissioners agreed that work sessions would still be held at the County Administrative Building.

Also discussed at the work session was the possibility of using the Polk County Fair Grounds as a CDL (Commercial Drivers License) driving course.

The nearest course, commissioners said, is located in Dalton. Should the county acquire the course, the fair grounds would still be used for the fair and rodeo. The course would require about six acres.

John Welborn of Cedartown Ford requested approval from the board for the installation of a two-office mobile office at 2076 Rockmart Highway, adjacent to Cedartown Chevrolet.

This office would be used until completion of construction on a new building around March 1, 2007.

Commissioners approved the new offices at their Jan. 3 meeting.