County commissioners take oath of office in Wednesday meeting

Members of this year’s Leadership Marengo class filled the Marengo County Commission chamber Wednesday and watched as District Judge Vince Deas presented the oath of office to two commissioners.

Sworn in were Calvin Martin, reelected to District 4, and first term commissioner Jason Windham, District 2.

The commission quickly went through a short agenda. They approved a resolution with Wilcox County, which is starting a Water Authority. Wilcox received permission from the Marengo commission to cross a corner of the county with a water line.

Two items were tabled until the next meeting. The first involved the approval of a maintenance agreement with ES&S Hardware to service each of the county’s voting machines. Commissioner Freddie Armstead objected to the two-year automatic renewal in the contract.

“It’s like they’re holding us hostage,” he said.

The commission directed the Probate Judge to clarify the agreement before approval.

The second tabled item was the hiring of a full time employee for security. Members wanted to wait until Commissioner John Crawford, who was absent Wednesday, could be present for the vote.

Corrections officer Tracy Walker was recognized for completing the Jail Training Course.

The Commission also approved a resolution honoring Romilner Cunningham on her retirement from the jail, and an Employee Leave Donation for those working in the Marengo County Sheriff’s Department.

At the end of the meeting, Kathryn Friday, who directs Leadership Marengo, thanked the commission. “We appreciate the good financial management of the county,” she said.