Do you have some spare time? Want to get involved in local issues?
Will you work for free?
If so, Beaufort County would like to hear from you.
The county has 40 vacancies to fill on nearly 20 boards, commissions and committees.
The Planning Commission and the Library, Airports, and Rural and Critical Lands boards all have vacancies. People also are sought for the lesser-known Construction and Adjustments Appeals Board and the Northern Corridor Review Board, among others.
"I think the key is to try to get as many folks as we can from the community," said Councilman Jerry Stewart, who was elected to council after a stint on the Solid Waste and Recycling board.
Some boards require only a general interest in the particular subject and a willingness to serve. Others favor candidates with relevant experience, said Sue Rainey, clerk of council.
County spokeswoman Joy Nelson said council has become more choosy to ensure boards are as strong as possible.
Applicants fill out an application seeking a seat on a specific board. The applications are reviewed by a council subcommittee, which makes nominations to council. Council makes the final decisions on appointments.
There are exceptions to the process. The boards of the Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority, the Coastal Zone Management Appellate Panel and the Lady's Island-St. Helena Fire District are approved by the governor.
The length of each appointment and frequency of meetings vary.
All county board and commission positions are unpaid. Planning Commission and Zoning Appeals board members, however, receive mileage reimbursement for official board travel, Rainey said. The county reimburses travel at 56.5 cents per mile.
Although the list of vacancies is long, most boards need only one or two members.
Others have more pressing needs.
The Forestry Authority and the Social Services Authority have five vacancies each, and the Southern Beaufort County Median Beautification Committee, which hasn't officially launched yet, needs seven people.
Anyone interested in serving on a local board or commission can apply through the county's website at www.bcgov.net. Questions about the process can be sent to boardsandcommissions@bcgov.net.
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