Gage appointed vice-chair

The Polk County Board of Commissioners has new leadership with the appointment of commissioner Ted Owens as chairman.

The board met Monday, Dec. 2 and unanimously appointed Owens as chair and Michael Gage as vice-chair. Gage was formerly the chair, with Owens as vice-chair.

Gage served as chair for the past year after being the top vote getter in the 2012 election for commissioner.

Owens is not new to the board, having served consecutively since 2010. Owens was also a commissioner from 2004 until 2008 as well as from 1983 to 1988. Owens was also formerly the Columbus Mayor.