Val Phares cites busy schedule as he steps down from Board of Works, Rod Meyerholtz appointed

Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 6:50 AM

A busy schedule that impacted his ability to attend City of Shelbyville Board of Public Works and Safety meetings has prompted a member of the board to step down from his post.

Board member Val Phares had attended many of the 2024 meetings virtually. But a busy travel schedule conflicted with actually being present for the meetings at City Hall.

Scott Furgeson appointed Phares to the board when he began the first year of his term as mayor.

“It wasn’t my change. Val Phares decided to resign from the Board of Works. No animosity or ill will. He felt guilty that he was appearing virtually on so many meetings and didn’t see his schedule getting any better,” said Furgeson.

The mayor noted that upon his appointment Phares explained that he would have to attend some meetings virtually but he decided it was time to step aside as he couldn’t attend in person as often as he wanted.

The mayor says he has appointed a familiar face to city government to replace Phares. Rod Meyerholtz will join the board on July 1.

“Rod and I worked together previously. He was clerk-treasurer for 12 years and we served together the eight years that I was mayor. Rod worked in banking for several years and as office Manager at McNeely, Stephenson, Thopy & Harrold and then retired. He’s always been a great Shelby County guy. We’re bringing him in off the bench,” said Furgeson.

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