Toombs Commission Honors Retirees
mrandolphadvance@gmail.com
The Toombs County Board of Commissioners honored three retiring public servants during their meeting on Thursday, December 19, as they recognized outgoing Sheriff Alvie “Junior” Kight, Tax Commissioner Brenda Williams, and Commissioner Wendell Dixon.
Commission Chairman David Sikes began the meeting by sharing his appreciation for the several years of service which each leader had given. “We are so thankful for their years of service and commitment to the citizens of Toombs County, exemplifying the highest standard of excellence throughout their terms,” he remarked.
All three retiring officials made the decision not to run in the past election, as they felt their time as leaders was complete. Sheriff Kight served the county since 1998, while Tax Commissioner Williams worked in the office since 1995, and Commissioner Dixon helped to lead the county since 2013. Each individual was presented with a gift to commemorate their time in leadership. “I want to say that I’m thankful for everyone being here today – it’s very special to me,” Kight told the Commissioners and attendees. “I want to thank the commissioners for working with me and supporting me all the years. We’ve worked great together, and it’s been a good time; they’ve filled my needs as far as the Sheriff’s office, and gave me the tools and things that I need to help keep Toombs County safe. I thank everyone for the honor and privilege to get to serve the citizens of Toombs County. Thank you so much. I will still be around – I’m not going anywhere.”
Kight will be succeeded by his son, Jordan Kight.
Williams shared similar sentiments, saying, ““I would just like to say I appreciate everyone voting for me and supporting me. I know that being a tax commissioner, sometimes, you want to bless us out, but I do appreciate everything that everyone has done for me. I have worked here for 30 years, and I’ve been the tax commissioner for 12 years. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, and if there’s anything I can do for y’all, please let me know. I’m really going to miss my job, but I feel like it’s time to retire.”
Anna Wommack Holcombe will serve the county as the new tax commissioner.
“I appreciate all the citizens’ support over the years. I’ve been blessed to work with these guys – they’re some of my best friends now. We’ve been blessed to have such a great commission and leadership,” Dixon began.
He also spoke about the fellow retiring officials, as he commented, “When we go to [state and region] meetings, you hear horror stories about commissions not getting along with the sheriff. We have always gotten along with Junior – he’s been fair with us and we’ve been fair with him. He’s done a great job and been a great sheriff. Brenda, I’ve never seen anyone collect taxes like you do. You’ve done a great job, and collected 90-100% of the taxes almost every year. We appreciate what you’ve done.”
After the recognition of the retirees, Dixon’s successor Buck Moon addressed the commissioners to thank Dixon for his work in the community. “I want to publicly thank Commissioner Dixon for the years of service that he’s given. I think we are all very well aware of the twelve years that he’s given the commission, but there was many years on the recreation board, and other authorities that you’ve worked on. In a time when politics can be so divisive and bring out the worst in people, you’ve spent your entire life being a public servant and doing what is best for your family and our community. Almost everyone that I talk to tells me I have big shoes to fill, and they’re not wrong. When I look at you, I look at an example that I can follow. Thank you for your service,” he emphasized.
During his report, Toombs- Montgomery EMS Director Drew James also thanked Dixon for his support, as he presented Dixon with a gift from the EMS employees.
The last day of work for these retiring officials was Tuesday, December 31, as all new officials terms begin on January 1.
