JACKSON – Robert Carter (D-3rd) and Fannie Greene (D-5th) are assuming new roles on the Northampton County Board of Commissioners.

On Monday, Carter and Greene were voted in as Chairman and Vice Chairwoman, respectively, by their peers.

During the election proceedings Commissioner James Hester (D-1st) nominated Carter for Chair, while Commissioner Chester Deloatch (D-4th) recommended Greene for the role of Vice Chair.

Both nominees were accepted and voted on without objection.

Carter, who was previously vice chair, thanked his colleagues for their confidence and noted Commissioner Virginia Spruill’s (D-2nd) service as the board’s past Chairwoman.

“I have a hard act to follow,” he said. “The lady who came before me has set the bar very high, very high, not only in this county, but throughout the state.”

Carter is in his third term on the board of commissioners.

Greene also expressed her thanks and assured she would work “very hard” at her new role.

“I feel like I do have the experience,” she said.

Greene is in her second term on the board.

County Manager Wayne Jenkins thanked outgoing Chairwoman Spruill and said it was an honor working with her.

Spruill said “it was a delight” to serve on the board.

Carter said the commissioners change the chair and vice chair every two years.

In other board news, County Attorney Charles Vaughan was re-appointed to his position.

Finance Officer Dot Vick was sworn into her position and Kimberly Turner was appointed Clerk to the Board.

The board also approved to move their first of the month meetings from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

In other board business, a public hearing was held for comments regarding the county incurring debt for athletic fields lighting for the Cultural and Wellness Center.

In July the commissioners approved the lease purchase bid of $645,515 from E&R, Inc. in Kinston.

Jenkins said the hearing completed the actions by the board to file a lease purchase application.

Jack Saunders of Henrico asked the board if they had anything to show the usage of the recreation fields would be used a lot.

Jenkins said his comments were taken into account and mentioned the $500,000 grant from Parks and Recreation, which was awarded one year ago with the stipulation that the recreation part of the project would be finished in three years and the complex would have athletic field lighting.