ONLY ON 3: Berger says stomach bug kept him from commission meeting

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — New Hanover Commissioner Brian Berger returned our messages today that we left yesterday and said a stomach bug kept him from going to Monday’s commission meeting.

He also said he didn’t go see a doctor because he didn’t think he could get in. He said he did not inform Chairman Jonathan Barfield that he was sick either.

Meanwhile Commissioner Jason Thompson, who had surgery last week, did show up for the meeting, even though he was in obvious pain. Thompson says Barfield encouraged him to try to make the meeting so that they would be ensured of a quorum.

Berger also told us he still wants to pay back travel money he booked through the county but never used. But now he says county staff keeps changing the total, and he’s not sure what it is and that he’s not sure whom he should pay.