The Gordon County Board of Commission started of the new year by approving the appointment of a new Gordon County Board of Health member, and establishing new qualifying fees for the 2010 elections.

The board approved a new qualifying fee for the 2010 elections. The fees for seat two and four of the board will be $180.

Seat two is occupied by Richard Gordon and seat four is occupied by Rebecca Hood. Both of those seats will be open for election in November with qualifying beginning on April 26 at 9 a.m. and ending on April 30 at noon.

The qualifying fee for the Board of Education will be $18 with seats one, three and five open for election this year. Seat one is occupied by Chad Steward, seat three is currently held by William Tyner and Nan Barnette currently holds seat five.

According to Director of the Gordon County Board of Elections and Voter Registration, Shea Hicks, each candidate must first register with their chosen party. The fee is paid to the local parties and then 50 percent of the fee is given to the county.

The board approved the selection of Kent Lawson, as the boards new appointment to the Gordon County Board of Health. Kent will fill the seat of Deacon Balliew, a long-term seat holder who stepped down due to poor health. Balliew’s term ended on Dec. 31, 2009.

“Lawson has had quite a bit of service experience,” said commission Chairman, Alvin Long .

The next meeting of the Gordon County Board of Commissioners will be Jan. 19 at 7 p.m.