Title
Receive a presentation on the District 3 Board of Commissioners vacancy and provide direction regarding the appointment
Abstract
Introduction & Background: At its meeting on May 21, 2026, Commissioner David Delaney submitted his resignation from the District 3 seat on the Chatham County Board of Commissioners. The Board accepted the resignation, effective May 21, 2026, thereby creating a vacancy.
Discussion & Analysis: The process for filling a vacancy on a board of county commissioners is governed by North Carolina General Statute § 153A-27, which provides, in summary:
1. Appointment Authority: The remaining members of the Board are responsible for appointing a qualified individual to fill the vacancy.
2. Timeframe: If the Board does not fill the vacancy within 60 days of its occurrence, the Clerk must report the vacancy to the Clerk of Superior Court, who is required to fill the vacancy within 10 days.
3. Term of Appointment: Because this vacancy occurs more than 60 days before the next general election for county commissioner following the first two years of the term, the individual appointed will serve the remainder of the unexpired term, which extends through December 7, 2026.
4. Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for appointment, an individual must:
a. Be a member of the same political party as the departing commissioner, if elected as a party nominee; and
b. Reside within District 3.
5. The Board of Commissioners are required to consult with the appropriate political party’s county executive committee but is not bound by its recommendation.
6. Pursuant to this statute, the Board must appoint a qualified District 3 resident no later than July 21, 2026.
The Chatham County Democratic Party Executive Committee has met and submitted a recommendation to appoint Mike Roberson to fill the vacancy. A copy of the recommendation letter is attached.
The Board of Commissioners may consider the following options:
1. Appoint the Recommended Candidate
Proceed with appointing Mr. Mike Roberson to fill the District 3 vacancy, with an effective date of July 16, 2026, to allow for transition from his current position.
2. Request Additional Candidate Recommendations
Request that the Chatham County Democratic Party Executive Committee submit additional qualified candidates for the Board’s consideration.
Establish a deadline for submission to ensure compliance with the statutory appointment timeframe.
3. Open the Process for Additional Applications
Direct staff to open a brief application period for qualified District 3 residents affiliated with the same political party.
Provide an application form and deadline.
Schedule candidate interviews at a special meeting.
4. Conduct Interviews Prior to Appointment
Identify one or more candidates (including the party’s recommendation, if desired) and schedule interviews before making a final appointment decision.
5. Defer Action to a Future Meeting
Defer the appointment decision to a specified future meeting date to allow for additional information gathering or deliberation.
Note: Any deferral must ensure compliance with the statutory deadline of July 21, 2026, pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 153A-27.
6. Provide Alternative Direction
Provide other direction to staff regarding the process or criteria for appointment, consistent with statutory requirements.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: The appointment of a commissioner to fill a vacancy is an administrative and governance function and does not directly relate to the goals or policies outlined in the Chatham County Comprehensive Plan.
Budgetary Impact: No budgetary impact for this item.
Recommendation/Motion: Receive a presentation on the District 3 Board of Commissioners vacancy and provide direction regarding the appointment.