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ROSE HILL — Tasha Mathis was appointed to the Rose Hill Board of Commissioners at the town’s regular meeting last Tuesday, filling Ross Powell’s unexpired term following his resignation in April. The meeting also included public hearings on the proposed 2025-2026 budget and the closure of Avalon Drive in addition to various other business.
“I wanted to be a part of seeing our community move forward, serving with this town and being a part of that comradery,” said Mathis, a 12-year resident of Rose Hill. Two individuals had expressed interest in filling the seat left by Powell, who resigned following a move out of the city. Though Mathis was the only interested party present for Tuesday’s meeting, Commissioner Adam Quinn expressed his appreciation to both residents for their willingness to serve.
“When that seat comes back open and there’s a time to run again in November, I hope to see that same willingness to serve then,” said Quinn. “It’s good to be in a town where there’s people that want to serve the town.”
A motion was brought to appoint Mathis to fill Powell’s unexpired term and was unanimously approved by the board. Keren Parker, town clerk, administered the Oath of Office, after which Mathis took her seat at the council’s table. Though the term expires in November, she will continue to serve until a new commissioner is sworn-in next January.
The town held a public hearing regarding the proposed budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year as well as a public hearing on the permanent street closure of Avalon Drive, neither of which saw comment.
“Avalon Drive has never been opened,” said Mayor Davy “Fuzzy” Buckner. “It was a proposed street many, many years ago — back in the 50s, I believe — and it was never opened.”
Following the public hearing, the town moved forward with the permanent closure of the undedicated Avalon Drive. Approval of the 2025-2026 budget will take place at the board’s June meeting.
In other business, the town approved an amendment to its contract with Tons of Trash and extended its contract with the company through June of 2028. Town Administrator Angela Smith offered an explanation of the proposed amendment to the board.
“Basically, the town currently purchases about 50 carts per year and it usually runs anywhere from $3,500 to $4,000 per year. Tons of Trash has agreed to accept responsibility, purchase the cans and place them when needed at a cost of $0.29 per cart, per month. That’s going to save the town about $2,000 a year,” explained Smith. “I highly recommend it.”
A discussion was also held regarding town-owned fire trucks. “Currently, they’re insured through VFIS under the town, but because they’re incorporated, come July 1 they can’t do that,” said Smith, who advised the board that the town had the option to either lease or transfer ownership of the trucks to the Rose Hill Fire Department (RHFD), who currently maintains the vehicles in addition to those owned by the fire department. After some deliberation, the town voted to lease the five town-owned trucks to RHFD for $1 a year, for a total of $5 annually.
The meeting came to a close following a comment from Buckner thanking those in attendance for their participation as well as the various town departments for all they do for Rose Hill.
“I’d like to welcome Mrs. Tasha. From the mayor to you, we appreciate you,” said Buckner. “One thing we ask: just keep the citizens of this town in mind at all cost.”
