The County Commission voted on Thursday to extend the terms of Magistrates Randy Russell and Sharetta Smith by six months each. That was done to set up a staggered system of choosing the magistrates, who set bonds and sign warrants at the County Jail, including on nights and weekends.
The other magistrates are Larry Ables (chief magistrate) and Bob Davis.
Mr. Russell won on the first ballot, getting votes from Warren Mackey, Joe Graham, Jim Fields, Larry Henry, Fred Skillern and Mitch McClure.
On the second ballot, Mr. Ables got votes from Chester Bankston and Tim Boyd and Mr. Davis was supported by Commissioner Mackey.
Votes for Ms. Smith came from Commissioners Graham, Fields, Henry, Skillern, McClure and Greg Beck.