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AHOSKIE – A 10-member committee will be formed to assist in the development and management of special events in the Town of Ahoskie.

The Ahoskie Town Council, at its regularly scheduled meeting on Feb. 11, approved the creation of a Special Events Committee.

At its January meeting, Council members had discussed the formation of such a committee, saying it was needed for the effective management and promotion of special events within the town. They tabled further discussion on the matter until Cecilia Jones, legal counsel for the town, could draft a document that would amend the Ahoskie’s Code of Ordinances to include this new committee.

Jones presented that draft to the Council at their February meeting.

One stipulation of the ordinance is that the committee will consist of 10 members, each appointed by the Town Council. Those members are required to live within the Ahoskie town limits.

“I like the idea of creating this committee, but I believe we need one or two at-large members on the committee,” suggested Councilman David Hunt. “A lot of the events we host here are attended by people that don’t live in Ahoskie. Their input is just as available as the citizens of Ahoskie. I would recommend putting at least one to two at large members on the Special Events Committee.”

On a motion from Hunt and a second from Councilman Charles Simmons, the ordinance was approved, without objection, to establish a Special Events Committee. The part of the ordinance referencing membership of the committee was revised to say that the committee would be comprised of 10 members, eight of which are citizens/residents of Ahoskie.

The new ordinance specifies that committee members must include those who are individuals with demonstrated interest or experience in event planning, community development, or related fields.

Additionally, membership of the committee shall be structured to ensure diverse representation across different sectors, including but not limited to arts and culture, local businesses, recreation, tourism, and community service organizations.

Committee members shall serve a term of three years and may be reappointed for additional terms at the discretion of the Town Council.

Initial appointments to the committee will be made within 120 days of the adoption of the ordinance.

Within 30 days after all 10 members are appointed, the committee is required to meet and elect a chairperson and any other officers determined by the group. The term of the chairperson and other officers will be for one year, with eligibility for reelection. The committee will adopt rules for the transaction of its business.

The committee shall hold at least one meeting monthly or as needed to fulfill its duties, and all of its meetings shall be open to the public.

“We’re hopeful that this committee can bring a lot of good ideas to the table when it comes to special events in Ahoskie,” said Mayor Weyling White.