Commission hears plans for absentee balloting

Probate Judge Laurie Hall told the Marengo County Commission Tuesday that she had been appointed Absentee Election Manager for the county as of Aug. 10.

 Hall replaces Circuit Clerk Kenny Freeman. Freeman said the county’s court system is gearing up to restart, and his staff could not handle duties for both the court and the absentee ballots.

Hall said expectations are that absentee ballot requests will double for the general election Nov. 3 because of the COVID-19 concerns. She asked for the public’s patience as her office completes the transition and goes through training. The plan for the election will be posted at www.marengocountyal.com when completed, or voters may call 334-295-2150 for more information.

Applications for absentee ballots cannot be accepted until Sept. 10. The deadline for requesting ballots is Oct. 29.

Hall also told the Commission that her office continues to waive the 2.5 percent credit card fees for licenses. She asked guidance from commissioners on how long to continue the waiver set in place during the pandemic. The county absorbed $983.54 in costs last month from the fees.

Commissioners planned ahead by approving a resolution authorizing Frazer Lanier LLC to prepare documents for a bond issue, when and if the county is ready to proceed.

Bob Young told the Commission that loan rates are the lowest in history, and it is prudent to prepare the bond issue documents now.

“There is never any penalty for getting ready early,” he said.

Two tax abatements previously authorized were amended during the meeting. The first, for the Bracey Solar Project, clarified the length of the abatement and the economic incentives the company will pay to Marengo County during the time.

Bracey Solar Project offered two options. Commissioners voted for a 20-year abatement with the company paying an additional amount each year. Projected payments are $280,000 over the life of the agreement.

While the company has called the payments economic incentive, the Commission will determine how the money will be spent.

The second amended abatement was for Foster Farms. The corn dog company is adding additional equipment to what was approved in the original plan.

District Judge Vince Deas thanked the Commission for its support of the Child Advocacy Center. The funding from the county paid for forensic interviewers and training, he said.

The center “has been way busier than I wanted it to be,” Deas said. Since the center opened in January, 15 children have been interviewed. The situations were for sexual or physical abuse and as witness to crimes. The center also has served children from other counties and even one child from Texas, he said.

Dee Ann Campbell, co-publisher/editor with her husband Tommy Campbell of The Linden Leader, introduced herself and the newspaper. The couple purchased the paper a month ago and printed its first issue last week.

In other busines, the Commission:

• Continued the Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.
• Approved a liquor license for Frosty King, LLC in Dixons Mills.
• Set the budget hearing for Monday, Aug. 24, at 5 p.m.
• Tabled the District 2 board appointment for DHR until after the Demopolis municipal elections.
• Approved publishing the uses for the county’s share of the state gas tax.