It may not sound like the most exciting way to spend a Monday night, but Richard Branum has served at more than 300 meetings of the Greenville Planning Commission.

It can be tireless work, drawing criticism on occasion, but rarely ever thanks.

At Monday’s council meeting Mayor Dexter McLendon announced in jest that the city was doubling Branum’s salary as commission chair [which remains at zero even after applying the twofold adjustment].

While the city presented Branum with no monetary compensation, it did bestow on him a special recognition with its Distinguished Service Award.

Branum has been a member of the planning commission since 1983 and its chairman since Sept. 12, 1988.

His work, and that of the commission’s other members, has been instrumental in the progress of Greenville and the city’s vision for the future.

Branum obviously feels compelled to devote much of his time and effort to community service.

In addition to his role with the planning commission, this commitment is also visible each year when he spearheads efforts of the Kiwanis Club as it organizes the Butler County Fair.

A crowd of family and friends surprised Branum as he was recognized for his service Monday night.

Many other community volunteers go without commendation. Most of them —Branum included — would just as soon keep it that way.

Still, it does us well to recognize those who enhance the quality of life in our community by freely devoting their time and energy.