District 1 Commissioner Joey Peavy will assume the role of chairman of the Butler County Commission on Feb. 21.

Peavy will take over for District 5 Commissioner Darrell Sanders.

“I want to thank Commissioner Sanders for the job he’s done as chairman,” said Peavy. “Darrell has really put a lot of time and effort into this thing. He’s really tried to keep everyone up on each move he’s made, and I personally appreciate that. He’s been a great asset to the commission. He’s done a good job for us, and he’s an honorable person. I accept (the role as chairman) with honor. I’m glad to have the job and I need all the help I can get from these other commissioners.”

In 2012, the commission voted to rotate the positions of chairman and vice chairman among the five commissioners. Each commissioner will serve a term of nine months and two weeks as chairman and another nine months and two weeks as vice chairman.

The rotation began with District 2 Commissioner Jesse McWilliams and circled back around to Peavy.

The commission elected to start in District 2 in order to have the two most experienced commissioners, McWilliams and District 3 Commissioner Frank Hickman, serve as the chairman for the first two terms.

“It has been a learning experience being the chairman,” Sanders said. “A lot of things popped up during my chairmanship that don’t normally happen, but it was a good learning experience, and I muddled through it and we made it. I’ve enjoyed it. We’re all still going to be involved in this, and Joey will be the next chairman and I look forward to watching him grow and learn in this. This is an experience I think we all needed and after Joey goes through it, we all will have had it.”

McWilliams, who served as chairman for nearly a decade before the rotation began, praised Sanders’ efforts as chairman.

“Commissioner Sanders has done an admirable job since he has taken over in the rotation,” said McWilliams. “… I think Commissioner Peavy will do a great job as our chairman. I’ve seen Commissioner Peavy grow in this. This has been the most active commission I have ever worked with. They are out and about. They go to things — more than just meetings.”

The commission will hold its next meeting March 14 at 8:30 a.m.