Resolutions OK'd that may cut superintendent, justice of peace

Lincoln County commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved two resolutions that could eliminate  one of the county’s two justices of the peace and the position of Lincoln County Superintendent of Schools.

County justices of the peace include Jay Sheffield, who serves south Lincoln County at the Annex Building, and Stormy Langston, who serves in Eureka.

“We’d like to keep all positions, but we are in deficit spending now,” Presiding Commissioner Tony Berget said. “We’ve got to make some cuts.”

Sheffield is a full-time justice who makes about $50,000 a year. Langston is half-time, and she makes about $25,000.

“Whoever it is, they will have to serve here, in the county seat,” County Adminstrator Bill Bischoff said.

The commissioners took action Wednesday because filing for the position begins Jan. 9 for the balloting that takes place in June. Both justices current terms expire on Dec. 31, 2014.

Ron Higgins earns $27,000 for the part-time role as county superintendent.

Similarly, commissioners took action on the superintendent’s position before the Jan. 15 voting process is established.

Hearings for the cutbacks will be held Dec. 30.

Commissioners want the superintendent’s duties to be absorbed into the county treasurer’s office.