Newly-elected commissioners take oath of office
District Judge Vince Deas swore in three Marengo County Commissioners at the commission meeting Wednesday morning before a standing-room-only crowd of family, friends, well-wishers and the current Leadership Marengo class.
New commissioner Terry Hinton joined returning commissioners Michael Thompson and Freddie Armstead in taking their oaths of office.
Leadership Marengo Coordinator Kathryn Friday complimented the Commission. “You follow Robert’s Rules of Order, and we’re not broke,” she said.
Joyce Morgan, director of the County Library, received approval to advertise for a part-time employee who will be cross-trained and readied to step into greater responsibility when Morgan retires.
Morgan assured the Commission that funding for a part-time employee is in the budget.
The Commission also approved the appointment of two Library Board members: Cupidean Davis and Jean Norwood.
Revenue Commissioner Sharon Hilbish presented the contract for Atlantic Group to do aerial photography and mapping for the county at a cost of $51,721.50.
The Commission also will have to approve next month a joint contract with the Alabama Department of Transportation for aerial photography. The state will kick in an expected $25,000 toward the cost.
Hilbish explained the Atlantic Group will provide more detailed mapping than the state, including buildings, needed for property tax purposes.
County Engineer Ken Atkins received approval for a resolution for repairs on a section of County Road 33 for $84,374.55.
The Commission voted to approve meeting days in 2019 and the Grand Jury report.
The Commission voted after executive session to accept the donation of the former Democrat Reporter building from the First Bank of Linden.
Probate Judge Laurie Hall reported that almost 60 percent of registered voters in the county turned out for the mid-term elections Nov. 6. She thanked poll workers for their long hours of training and work.
The professionalism of county detention officers also came in for praise from Circuit Clerk Kenny Freeman. He said they do “a great job…that goes unrecognized.”
Kimberly Bonner, representing the Dallas County Juvenile Detention Center, thanked the Commission for allowing them to serve Marengo County youth for the past several years.
She said their program works with the young people in crisis intervention and diversion programs to help them when they return to their community. Many take part in Scouting and 4-H. Teachers conduct classes and make sure their graders are transferred back to their schools.