After more than 25 years of service on the Gordon County Board of Commissioners, between Judy Bailey, Alvin Long, and George “Duck” Townsend, the three fulfilled the final meeting of their term Tuesday during a regularly scheduled meeting.

A small reception convened at 4 p.m. before the work session to bid the exiting commissioners farewell, before the regularly scheduled meeting of the board, held in the main courtroom at the Gordon County courthouse, Townsend was not in attendance.

During the meeting, Commissioners Becky Hood and Chad Steward expressed their appreciation for both Long and Bailey’s service on the board.

Commissioner Chairperson Judy Bailey has served eight years, Alvin Long has served 12, and George “Duck” Townsend has served eight non-consecutive years, before voters in the primary elections unseated all three in July.

Long expressed feeling no regrets, as he felt they had accomplished every goal set forth, leaving the county in sound financial condition.

“ I am grateful to the citizens for letting me serve,” said Long. “We have taken this county a long way in the last 12 years. We have continued to progress even through this recession and I think that’s something to be proud of. I think Gordon County will look back on this time as prosperous even through the downturn.”

Bailey commends the private, public partnership with the landfill as the backbone of the economic success seen in Gordon County, a project she says was in its infancy when she came on board. Bailey added the county was moving forward, a goal she says she very much desired to accomplish as commissioner.

“I went in on the attitude of progress and being positive and being professional and I think I have accomplished all three of those,” said Bailey. “That’s what I want for this county, to continue to move forward. I want us to be on the cutting edge and ahead of the pack.”

For Long, Norris Sexton will step in, for Bailey, Jeff Gazaway, and for Townsend, Kevin Cunningham will resume seats for the next four-year term on the board.

Both Long and Bailey say they will continue to serve Gordon County and its residents in some capacity.

“I love serving the people of Gordon County and I will serve in some capacity whether its elected or appointed,” said Long. Bailey added, “Never say never,” in regards to returning as commissioner in the future.

Also in attendance at the meeting was the Youth Leadership group comprised of students from high schools in Gordon County, as well as Cub Scout Weeblow’s pack 46.

In other business from the Gordon County Board of Commisioners:

• The board approved surplus county property of guns in the Sheriff’s Office to be auctioned online in accordance with a new state law.

• The board approved surplus county property of five vehicles from the Sheriff’s department.

• The board approved 19 renewal license applications for malt beverage, wine and/or liquor for 2013.

• The board approved an application for malt beverage and wine license for the new owner of Rainbow Corner.

• The board approved two zoning applications, #Z12-05 and #Z12-06 for Douglas and Sandy Ralston.

• The board agreed to back the Cherokee Circuit court judge’s request for a supplement increase in the amount of $12,300 each, to be sent to the state legislature for approval.

• The board approved the beginnings of first and second readings of changes made to the animal control ordinances.