Commission okays CDBG application to split between hospital, old Linden armory

Marengo County is eligible for $300,000 in CDBG funds under CARES Act, and the County Commission Tuesday passed a resolution authorizing the Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Commission to write a grant for the prevention, preparation and response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Since this is a non-competitive grant, the funds should come to Marengo County as soon as the grant is approved, said Frank Dobson of the ATRC. He explained the $22 million awarded Alabama was divided among the counties by population. Deadline for the application is April 1.

Dobson said if the grant is approved, the funds would be used for a paving project at Whitfield Regional Hospital, and the remainder is earmarked for a new roof on the former National Guard Armory in Linden, now housing MCEDA and the County Extension office.

Dobson said the CDBG funds carry the stipulation that its use must “touch, reach out, try to stop any COVID or any other pandemic that might come through the area.”

EMA Director Kevin McKinney said the pandemic in the county “has slowed, but not near the equivalent of surrounding counties.”

One of the problems, he continued, is that the county is not receiving the promised vaccines. Commission Chairman Jason Windham said he contacted Rep. A.J. McCampbell about the problem who, in turn, reached out to the state health department. That resulted in the promised vaccines being delivered plus enough to give the first dose to all teachers in the county.

Windham said getting the attention of the state required that local officials “jumped up and down and raised Cain.”

McKinney said an applicant briefing will be held April 6-8 for counties interested in grants for hazard mitigation. He asked commissioners to come up with ideas.

Commission Calvin Martin immediately said storm shelters – both individual and community – are needed. Freddie Armstead asked fellow commissioners to “look at our districts” and bring ideas back to the group.

Two road issues came before the Commission. The first, from Curry Pugh, was requesting access and maintenance of Turkey Creek Road. Commissioner Calvin Martin said the road will be maintained, but no work can be done on a private drive leading to a residence.

Scott Lewis spoke for the three landowners along Big Buck Road asking the county vacate the road. Commissioners had no problem but directed Lewis to follow procedure in petitioning the county so a public hearing on the matter be held before a vote.

The Commission approved a request from Probate Judge Laurie Hall to repair a hole in the floor of the Records Room and add insulation under the floor. The work is estimated to cost $1,800.

In other action, the Commission approved:

• Renewal of a contract with Avenu Insights and Analytics for collection of county fees and taxes.
• Grand Jury report.
• County levies for alcohol licensing, determined by the state.
• Appointment of Sharon McKinney-Coates as the District 4 representative on the South Marengo Water and Fire Authority.
• Hiring Tyrell Lewis and Kelvin McGhee to the Road Department and Dexter Watters to the Sheriff’s Department.