Marengo County Commission passes budget
The Marengo County Commission passed its 2018-2019 budget Tuesday morning with expected revenue of $17,583,518.30. Expenses are estimated to be $14,714,054.34, leaving the remainder of $2,714,054.34 earmarked, or restricted.
The budget includes $12,500 for a Children’s Advocacy Center, headquartered in Demopolis, to serve the children of the 17th Judicial Circuit counties of Sumter, Green and Marengo. Until now, the circuit was the only area in the state without such a center.
Presented at last month’s meeting by Circuit Judge Vince Deas, the center would meet the needs of neglected or abused children, including medical, emotional and legal support.
Plans now are to locate the center in a building on North Strawberry Street.
Commissioners also approved an agreement with the Heart of Marengo Chamber of Commerce and committed $5,000 for its operations.
The Commission signed a three-way agreement for the West Dallas County Water Authority to extend its service to the McKinley area in east Marengo County. The Dallas County Commission also signed the agreement.
Prince Chestnut, attorney for the water authority, said the Thomaston Water Authority cannot financially extend its system.
The Commission passed a resolution honoring Rita ll
ll who has been with the South Marengo Water and Fire Authority since its start 41 years ago.
Commissioners also passed a proclamation declaring Friday, Sept. 21, as POW/MIA Recognition Day.
Phillip Spence, post surgeon with the VFW Post 5377, said 184,000 service men and women remain unaccounted for in the modern era.
Two groups spoke before the Commission asking for maintenance of their roads.
“It’s a mess,” Ellen Tate said of Bunny Creek Road near Putnam. “It’s not being taken care of at all.”
“I’ve been calling about this road for a while,” said Aubrey Patterson of Red Oak Road located in the Coxheath community. He said the school bus has to turn around in his yard because it can’t go any further.
Beatta McIntosh, also a resident of Red Oak Road, said the drainage has deteriorated so much that water stands under her house. She has had to replace the flooring because of it.
Commissioners said the county will work on the roads.
“I can assure you somebody’s going to do something about that road,” Freddie Armstead told Tate.
County Engineer Ken Atkins told McIntosh he would be at her house the next morning to discuss cutting a new ditch.
The Commission accepted the low bids, subject to Atkins recommendation for the following:
- Gravel – Paul Bradford
- Liquid asphalt – Hunt Refining
- Corrugated and aluminized pipe – Rush Enterprises
- PVC pipe – Fallin Farms
- Fuel – Pruitt Oil
- Stone – Vulcan Materials
Probate Judge Laurie Hall reminded Commissioners that her office will be closed Friday, Sept. 28, to change over to a new computer system. Customers still will be able to do business on line, and all late fees will be waived.
Jo Ellen Martin, executive director of the Marengo County Economic Development Authority, gave an update on her first month on the job.
“I’ve never in my life lived in such a nice community,” she said. “Everybody I meet is friendly, kind and truly have a vested interested in economic development.”