Ronnie Richardson was welcomed Tuesday as District 5's new member of the Suwannee County Board of Commissioners.

LIVE OAK — The Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners welcomed two new commissioners to the board and elected a new chairman and vice chairman.

The board unanimously voted to make Ricky Gamble the new chairman of the county commissioners. Clyde Fleming retained his position as vice chairman.

At the meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 6, the board welcomed Commissioners Ronnie Richardson for District 5, replacing Randy Harris, and Don Hale Jr. for District 1, replacing Jason Bashaw. The new commissioners thanked the voters and asked for time to get up and running.

During the meeting, the board approved awarding a bid for the construction of the new state attorney’s building parking lot. The bid went to McInnis Services, which had the lowest bid at $215,321.10. The next lowest bid was more than twice that amount.

Luke McInnis, with McInnis Services, said that construction is at least a few weeks away and might begin sometime in mid December.

The board also authorized the Suwannee County Airport, 13302 Voyles St., to obtain a courtesy car for pilots who fly into the county.

Greg Scott, Parks and recreation Director, strongly defended the need for a courtesy car for the airport. He said he has driven pilots into town after they land to get something to eat.

Some commissioners were initially hesitant because of a clause that would allow overnight use, but Scott said these would only be granted for extreme cases.

Gamble agreed with Scott and was in favor of obtaining the car.

“I don’t have a problem with it,” Gamble said. “I think it’ll be an asset to the airport.”

Later in the meeting, Sheryl Rehberg, executive director of CareerSource North Florida, introduced Diane Head, who will be replacing Rehberg after she retires at the end of this year.

Rehberg began working with CareerSource in 2006 and served for six terms as executive director for Lafayete, Taylor, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton and Suwannee counties. They provide services that help people find jobs and training.

She assured that Head is the most qualified person to replace her.

“She is well acquainted with our workforce system in Florida,” Rehberg said. “Diane has also been working with CareerSource North Florida for 10 years. The lights will not flicker when I walk out.”