WINDSOR – Sitting in the place he has occupied for 11 years, Bertie County Manager Zee Lamb said a tearful goodbye last week.

During the final meeting of the Bertie County Commissioners in 2011, Lamb said farewell to the board, the staff of the county and the citizens on Dec. 19.

“I have enjoyed the last 11 and a half years in Bertie County,” Lamb said. “I have been fortunate enough to work with nine county commissioners and each one has been very special to me.

“I can tell the people of this county they are served well by this board of county commissioners,” he added.

Lamb said the proof was in the record of the five men seated at the table – Chairman L.C. Hoggard III, Vice Chairman J. Wallace Perry and Commissioners Charles L. Smith, Rick Harrell and Norman M. Cherry Sr.

“In running for public office these men are 19-0,” he said. “I trust the folks of Bertie County will continue to appreciate the job they do.”

Lamb also complimented the efforts of Bertie County Attorney Lloyd Smith, calling him the “best county attorney in North Carolina” and saying he does “an excellent job.”

Turning to the employees of Bertie County, Lamb said the group had been unequaled. Having previously worked in state government, Lamb said the county’s employees were more efficient and that they worked hard and cared about the people they serve.

He also complimented the work of Misty Deanes, who served as his assistant and the Clerk to the Board.

In addition he thanked members of the press for the work they did. He said though the reporting had not always been how he would have liked, it had been fair and he appreciated their work.

“My friends that are here, I appreciate everything y’all have done for me and everything you have done to make my job easier,” he added.

Lamb then said he was proud of his record in Bertie County and the things that had been accomplished by the county’s employees and county commissioners. He pointed to a new building for the Bertie County Health Department and the new facility occupied by the Bertie County Department of Social Services.

He also mentioned the new Bertie Middle School and the work that has gone on towards the building of a new Bertie High School.

“The board has done a lot for the people of Bertie County and I hope the people appreciate it,” he said. “They have accomplished a lot without raising taxes and, in effect, saw the tax rate go down slightly during revaluation.”

He said in addition to that the board had been able to increase the fund balance from $2.1 million to $5 million.

Lamb closed by saying he was excited about his new job as Chowan County Manager, but that he was sure Bertie County would continue doing well.

“I’m excited about my future, but I also know Bertie County has a great future,” he said. “This board is responsible for a lot of good things that have happened in Bertie County and that will continue to be the case.”