County Commission approves pay bump for new hires

New county employees will be hired at a base pay of $8.63 per hour, a raise of 49 cents, after a unanimous vote Tuesday morning by the Marengo County Commission.

When employees complete a six-month probationary period, a one-step raise to $8.89 will go into effect. In making the motion, Commissioner John Crawford said the raise in base pay was an effort “try to keep the ones we’ve got” and attract quality employees.

In its short regular meeting the commission unanimously approved:

• A contract with the Alabama Department of Youth Services.
• A liquor license transfer from Dixon Mills Food Mart, LLC, to Dixon Quick Stop, LLC
• Hiring Tracy Walker for the Detention Center.
• The appointment of Crawford to the board of the Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission.
• A resolution honoring Kathryn Friday on her retirement as county extension coordinator.

The commission also set its budget hearing for Thursday, Aug. 27, at 5 p.m.

Stacey Adams, Assistant Administrator for the Marengo County Health Department, requested the commission provide level funding of $25,000 for the next fiscal year.

She gave a report to the commissioners showing the scope of services provided to residents of the county. Linden is home of the area office for the eight counties in Adams’ service area and has a staff of 16 county residents.

Brenda Tuck, Economic Development Authority director, said there is lots of activity, especially around the port facility. Thomaston broke ground this week for a new grocery store, a project that her office has been working on with the town for the past year and a half.

She encouraged the commissioners to attend the by-invitation-only meeting Wednesday with officials from Washington, D.C.

Tuck also said the successful Job Fair held at Demopolis High School, sponsored by Congresswoman Terry Sewell, drew more than 700 people who visited the booths of 60 businesses and industries located in the 7th Congressional District.