There will be no third term in office for Douglas County Commissioner Jere McElhaney.

“I think it’s probably about time for me to step back and take care of a few personal things right now,” McElhaney said before the start of Wednesday night’s Commission meeting.

McElhaney’s position won’t come up for election until 2008, but he said he decided to go ahead and announce his decision now.

“It’s right after the city elections and that is still on people’s minds,” he said. “I think this will lead to some good candidates stepping forward.”

McElhaney said he is increasingly busy with his private business, McElhaney Fence Builders, as well as at his farm. He noted that he was 30 minutes late to Monday’s Commission meeting because of personal business. McElhaney said he made his decision Monday night after having a conversation with his oldest daughter.

“I then had the best sleep I’ve had in a long time,” he said.

McElhaney, who was first elected in 2000 and re-elected in 2004, said he has enjoyed working with the county departments and fellow Commissioners Bob Johnson and Charles Jones. McElhaney, a Republican, represents the 3rd District.