County Commission has short/long meeting
The regular meeting of the Marengo County Commission took less than 15 minutes Tuesday, but the executive session lasted more than an hour.
When the commissioners reconvened, they voted on two items: approval of the purchase of equipment from the list of County Engineer Billy Joe Webb using ARPA funds and the resolution for premium pay for a period of three pay periods along with the approval of the Policies and Procedures resolution from the Association of County Commissions of Alabama pertaining to the premium pay.
A third item, the decision to purchase a truck for the sheriff’s department, was tabled until the budget is reviewed.
Understanding the rising cost of fuel prices, the Commission approved a $50 surcharge to Sheffield Lawn Care for each service. It is understood the surcharge will be eliminated when fuel prices go down.
The Commission tabled appointments of directors to the Marengo County Emergency Communications office from Districts 1, 3 and 5 and suspended any action on a tree service until further bids can be obtained.
West Alabama Public Transportation received a letter of support from commissioners, and they adopted Model Policies and Procedures from the ACCA.
Internet access in the county annex building is spotty, but commissioners determined the county is not required to provide service to the occupants, only office space. The Commission declined to take any action to pay a $250 monthly maintenance fee to Omni.
After reporting on the “controlled chaos” that is preparation for the primary election May 24, Probate Judge Laurie Hall read a proclamation naming May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
One of her duties is to preside over cases committing people suffering from mental illness. She said the campaign by probate judges across the state is to help encourage people to seek the help they need and to make them aware that help is available.
County engineer Webb reported work will begin Wednesday on County Road 38.
Revenue Commissioner Sharon Hilbish said 13 parcels were put up for sale in the May 2 Tax Lien Auction.