ANTI-DRUG SALES TAX COMMISSION LOSES ANOTHER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Jackson County COMBAT Commission has temporarily appointed its deputy
director to lead the agency, following the executive director's resignation.

The commission, which administers the county's anti-drug sales tax,
appointed Vicki Boyd as interim executive director for six months. Boyd
replaces Tracey Blaylock, who resigned last month after about 21 months on
the job.

Blaylock attributed her resignation to management differences, and she
acknowledged a salary dispute.

She said lines of authority were blurred between her and COMBAT Program
Administrator Jim Nunnelly, who works for the prosecutor's office. Blaylock
said she was left out of important discussions. Blaylock also said
commissioners reneged on a promise to increase her salary to $60,000.

County Prosecutor Mike Sanders, commission Chairwoman Sue LeVota and
Nunnelly denied that Blaylock's authority had been limited.

Nunnelly said he cooperated with Blaylock as required by laws governing the
anti-drug tax.

LeVota was surprised at Blaylock's complaints. "She (Blaylock) never really
expressed that to me," LeVota said.

Sanders said he thought the salary dispute was the reason she left. LeVota
said Blaylock's $54,496 salary was in line with similar positions.

In 1989, voters passed the quarter-cent tax for law enforcement and drug
prevention and treatment programs throughout the county. Since 1996, four
different executive directors have led the commission, with one person
serving twice. LeVota said there was no inherent problem with the position.
Former directors left to pursue promotions or other fields, she added.