MAXTON — Maxton residents wishing to fill the seat of former Commissioner Margaret Gilchrist can file an application for the position beginning Friday.

Gilchrist, who had two years remaining on her current term, died last month.

Mayor Emmett “Chip” Morton” told the Board of Commissioners othis week that its members could review the applications and try to find the best replacement.

“The candidate selected will then have to run for the seat next November,” he said.

Morton said that beginning Friday and running through Dec. 15, applications will be taken at the courthouse. He said applications should be placed in a sealed envelope with his name on it. After the application deadline passes, all of the commissioners will receive copies for their review. At the commission’s meeting in January, the applicants will be discussed, Morton said.

“We will discuss this at an open meeting,” he said. “But we won’t necessarily appoint someone to the position at the January meeting.”

Morton asked that those interested in serving on the commission not “campaign” for the position. He also requested that anyone who applies for the seat be serious about running in the November 2017 election.

In other business, the commissioners voted to accept Town Manager Kate S. Bordeaux’s recommendation to use $125,000 in Powell Bill funds to repair several roads. The board awarded the contract to Hudson Paving.

Bordeaux, who has been the town’s manager for six weeks, also proposed a town equipment and vehicle use policy. The policy was approved unanimously by the commissioners.

“Half of our staff utilizes some equipment or a vehicle,” Bordeaux said. “I want to make sure all of the equipment is being used properly.”

The commissioners on Tuesday also:

— Appointed Commissioner James McDougald to the Airport Commission. McDougald fills the unexpired term of Gilchrist.

— Recognized Jamie Oxendine, a captain with the Maxton Police Department, as the town’s Employee of the Month. Oxendine was not at the meeting.

— Heard a brief report from Commissioner Paul McDowell on the area’s hurricane recovery process. He said that all residents who were affected by Hurricane Matthew should register with FEMA.

— Heard from Ray Oxendine, a member of the Gilbert Patterson Memorial Library board, who said it is conducting its annual fund drive to raise money to support the library. He said the minimum donation to join Friends of the Library is $10.

By Bob Shiles

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Bob Shiles can be reached at 910-416-5165.