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A bill recently ratified in the General Assembly has changed the course of Stanly County government.

Senate Bill 17, which became law May 25, staggers terms for the county commissioners and school board members.

The act was primarily sponsored by Sen. Carl Ford (R-Rowan).

In order to modify current staggering of terms, commissioners will be elected as follows:

• In 2024, one member from District 5 and one at-large member shall be elected to serve a four-year term.

• In 2026, one at-large member shall be elected to serve a two-year term.

• In 2026 and every four years after, one member each from District 1, District 2, District 3 and District 4 will be elected to serve a four-year term.

• In 2028 and every four years after, one member from District 5 and two at-large members shall be elected to serve a four-year term.

In order to modify current staggering of terms, the Board of Education will be selected as follows:

• In 2024, one at-large member shall be elected to serve a two-year term.

• In 2024 and every four years after, one member each from District 2, District 3, District 4 and District 5 will be elected to serve a four-year term.

• In 2026 and every four years after, one member from District 1 and two at-large members will be elected to serve a four-year term.

Ford also sponsored a bill to change the number of members of the Stanly County Airport Authority from five members to seven.

Senate Bill 18, ratified on June 5, also changed the term the Airport Authority may enter into lease contracts with individuals or corporations from 25 years to 30, though contracts with the United States, including its departments, boards and military, may not exceed terms of 50 years.