Polling map, road re-striping highlight Marengo commission meeting
Marengo County never has had a printed map showing its polling places. That has changed, thanks to the work of Board of Registrars member Barry Hunt.
The Alabama Secretary of State mandated that each county have such a map, and Hunt presented his work to the county commission Tuesday for approval before submitting it to the state.
After the unanimous vote to accept Hunt’s map, Commissioner Freddie Armstead complained that the requirement was yet another unfunded mandate by the state.
Probate Judge Laurie Hall thanked Barry for his work that has been ongoing for some two years. She said the map should have been done a long time ago, but the project “slipped through the cracks.”
The commission approved a $2-per-month rate hike for trash pickup by Advanced Disposal. Solid Waste officer John Bell said rates had not gone up since 2014. The increase will bring the rate to $19.72 per month effective April 1, he said.
In response to complaints about unsightly trash being dumped at the intersection of County Roads 19 and 28, Advanced Disposal site manager Tammy Donald said the company would put a dumpster at the site if the county requests it. She also said new trucks have been purchased to better serve the county.
Commissioner Armstead asked if the county roads could be restriped. He said the lack of lane definition is dangerous, especially at night and during rainstorms.
County Engineer Ken Atkins said he was holding on to the $300,000 set aside to use after resurfacing on some of the roads is completed. He said there also may be some money left after the paving of the Gandy Ferry road in Demopolis, set to begin next month.
The Commission voted to have Atkins prepare a plan for striping and present it at the March meeting.
The issue of security at Rangeline Road and County Road 28 prompted an offer by Commissioner John Crawford, an employee of Black Warrior Electric, to install a security light. The county would pay the installation fee and $9 per month in charges.
Marengo County Economic Development Authority director Chris Bontrager reported the county unemployment rate is the lowest in history at 4.16 percent. Since the rate is close to full employment of 3 to 3.5 percent, he said the emphasis now will be on underemployment.
The momentum with Shelton State Community College in Demopolis now will provide training for individuals and companies looking for expanded training.
Bontrager said interest from businesses looking for a location has increased thanks to two developments. The first is the announcement by AT&T to provide fiber optic service at the three industrial parks in the county. The second is the updated website that provides more complete information for companies searching a location.
He said three active ongoing projects started last year are continuing to develop. Each would bring in 15-25 jobs if brought to fruition.
Dr. Bill Ashley, chairman of Board of Directors for Shelton State, spoke of the continuing growth in the number of students enrolled at and courses provided by the Demopolis campus.
Since his background is rural community colleges, Ashley said he is actively engaged in expanding Shelton State’s presence in rural areas such as Marengo County.
“We know we can do good if we work regionally,” he said.
Commission Chairman Calvin Martin announced the county had received a $24,000 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant for the Sheriff’s Department to purchase a new vehicle.
In other action, the Commission approved:
- Renewal of a tax agreement with Revenue Discover Systems.
- County levies for alcohol licensing
- Favorable Grand Jury report, especially, quipped Armstead, “they’re not asking for anything.”
- EMA and Tobacco Tax CD renewal at Sweet Water State Bank.
- A resolution to approve a rebid of a water project for Thomaston