The Autryville Town Board met missing William Holden, who was sick, to conduct town meeting Tuesday evening. The meeting was short as there was not much business to transpire during the meeting. Board members listen to Commissioner Jakie Faircloth as he discusses the requested venue change. (Billy Todd/Sampson Independent)

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AUTRYVILLE — Only one matter of business came before the Autryville Town Board for a vote Tuesday night. The Rev. Ricky Spell had requested a change in venue for a previously approved prayer meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Mayor Pat Williams introduced Spell’s request to relocate the prayer meeting. He had previously requested to hold the event at the farmer’s market, a move approved by the board. Tuesday he sought to change locations — to the area directly behind Town Hall.

Williams asked how the board felt regarding the change in venue. The date for the prayer meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 6.

“I feel that we should keep the prayer meeting at the farmer’s market location. We do not want to raise any turmoil related to interference with voting on Election Day,” expressed Commissioner Jakie Faircloth.

Williams did remind the commissioners that Town Hall was used as the town’s polling place for elections and there were several stipulations regarding people conducting activities outside a polling place.

Commissioner Mickie Spell stated, “Well I am all for as much religion as we can get, but I am certain that we do not want to interfere with the election process and the polling place.”

Commissioners Carolyn Cashwell and Christine Johnson agreed with the other board members. Commissioner Bill Holden was absent due to illness.

Faircloth moved that the prayer meeting remain at the farmer’s market to prevent any possible conflicts. The motion was unanimously approved.

In an update regarding Kathleen Squibb’s request to form a Autryville Beautification Committee, Cashwell shared that only Terry Spell, Squibb and herself have been named to the committee. The commissioner added that plans were continuing to beautify the farmer’s market area with all improvements coming at no cost to the town.

The mayor informed the board that a report regarding water for the annexed areas of Deer Run and Doe Skin was not ready for the night’s meeting and would be discussed at a later meeting.

A discussion regarding the change in the Autryville post office and the scheduled meeting at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at the post office, was introduced by the mayor. Williams stated she had been in contact with Rep. Mike McIntyre regarding the matter and was informed by him that the post office was not scheduled to close but a change in hours of operation would occur.

“He urged everyone who can to attend the information meeting on Oct. 24. We should be able to learn more about what changes will be made from the meeting,” remarked Williams.