VIENNA — Governor Perdue has signed a statute granting Dooly County officials the right to appoint a board to handle all election duties.

That information was disclosed during Thursday’s county commission story. In the past the burden of the electoral process lay on the shoulders of the probate court. Handling an election and all the details and responsibilities that come along with it is a long, often tedious process, county officials said.

There is also a need for citizens to have a place available for them to register to vote 5 days of the week.

County Commissioners therefore asked the General Assembly pass a statute allowing them to appoint a board of elections. During Thursday’s meeting, newly elected Probate Court Judge Rooney Bowen III encouraged commissioners to proceed with the selection of members of the board.

These board members will have to undergo extensive training and will need to be prepared in time for the July 2010 primary.

The election supervisor also will have to undergo training. Bowen suggested that the commission appoint someone to act as interim supervisor until a permanent appointment can be made.

As for the five board members, each commissioner will select one person to serve on the board.

Those serving on the board must be residents of Dooly County and must be registered voters for at least one year. Members cannot hold an elected office and they cannot be related, by blood or marriage, to anyone in an elected position.

The supervisory position will be full time.

In other business:

• County officials sold a building to the city of Vienna.

Vienna Mayor Emerson offered Commissioners $500 for the ag building on the former Vienna Elementary School campus. He said the building will have to have the asbestos and lead paint removed.

“I think the city and the county need to come a little closer,” said Lundy. “We work for the same people.”

Commissioner Harry Ward made a motion that the board accept the proposal made by Lundy. Ward said there has been discussion for a number of years about doing something with the building. “I think we should go ahead and let the city get something in there.”

The motion was approved with Ward, Commissioner David Barron, and Chairman A.C. Daniels favoring it. Commissioner Terrell Hudson voted against the move, and Commissioner Charles Anderson abstained.