Commission opts out of tag law, will seek to replace WES voting site

Marengo County will opt out of the new state law allowing citizens to renew car tags every two years.

Probate Judge Laurie Hall recommended the action to the county commission at its meeting Tuesday. She made the recommendation after consulting with some 40 other counties, none of which are choosing to implement the new law.

Hall said the law is poorly written and does not clarify all the details. It would have an adverse effect on the county budget and may end up costing citizens more money.

Hall also received unanimous approval to look into changing Westside Elementary School as a voting site in Demopolis for future elections.

The school and Demopolis City Schools superintendent Dr. Al Griffin expressed concern for the safety of the young students when elections are held on school days.

Hall will consult with Demopolis city officials to determine an alternative site or work with WES to improve safety concerns.

At the conclusion of an executive session and a presentation by the county Economic Development Authority Brenda Tuck, the commission voted to approve $10,000 to extend the access road to the Linden Industrial Park and another $10,000 to extend the water line to the park.
Considerable discussion arose among the commissioners over the holidays for 2015. In the end they voted to move the state designated day for Jefferson Davis’ Birthday to give an extra holiday at Thanksgiving and to let employees also have Christmas Eve.

The commission reported an ADECA Grant to the Drug Task Force for $127,235.91 and announced the 2015 Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday is set for Feb. 20-22, 2015.

In other action, the commission unanimously voted to:

• Appoint county attorney W.W. Dinning Jr. as a liaison appointment to the board of Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital. The county at this time doesn’t have a seat on the board. Commissioner Freddie Armstead said, “That’s going to change.”
• Approve the Grand Jury Report
• Approve a liquor license for Williams Cash Store in Putnam.