County Commission looks to property taxes to fund hospital, roads

Marengo County Commissioners are calling for the Alabama legislature to approve a measure allowing the county to levy an additional 6 mils to property tax.

In action taken at its meeting Tuesday, Commissioners passed a resolution which would designate 4 mils for Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital and another 2 mils for repair and maintenance of the county’s roads and bridges.

If approved by the legislature, the measure still would face approval by voters in the next election.

The Commission swiftly conducted other routine business at their meeting after addressing an ongoing complaint by Aubrey Patterson about the condition of Red Oak Road.

Patterson, who has spoken to the Commission before, as recently as two months ago, again asked for the county to upgrade the narrow road. Branches growing over the road damage the finish of cars driving along it, and ruts are hard to avoid.

Commissioner Freddie Armstead directed County Engineer Ken Atkins to take care of the road as soon as the weather allows.

Probate Judge Laurie Hall, speaking as a private citizen, said she requested a light for safety be put up at the intersection of Highway 28 and Rangeline Road several years ago, but the work had not been done. Commissioner Jason Windham said he would check on the status of the work order and make sure the light was installed.

Hall also wanted to commend Pam Baker and two young girls who picked up four bags of trash at the same intersection, which is used as an unofficial dump site. Armstead said he had stopped someone from throwing away a truckload of trash at the site.

The Commission said it would erect signs along the area to discourage illegal dumping.

A resolution supporting the proposed state-wide one-cent gas tax hike received unanimous approval, but Armstead encouraged members to contact the county’s senators and representatives about the matter.  He said Sen. Bobby Singleton opposes the tax unless there is a provision to fund rural areas more in need of financial aid than cities.

In regular business the Commission approved:

• Continuing the CD at First Bank of Linden for the EMA.
• County levies for alcohol licensing as set by the state.
• The Grand Jury Report.
• Hiring Roosevelt McIntosh as a mechanic with the road department.
• A service agreement with the USDA for beaver trapping at a limit of $6,500 annually. The funds would be an adjustment to the County Engineer department budget. Atkins said once the money runs out, work will stop.