By Marla Jones, Reporter • marla@southerntorch.com (Photos by Amy Thrash)
DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — (Full LIVE Video on our Facebook) The DeKalb County Commission welcomed a brand new commissioner at their organizational meeting on Wednesday, November 14.
Lester Black, who defeated District 4 Commissioner DeWitt Jackson in the election last week, was sworn in alongside returning District 3 Commissioner Chris Kuykendall and Commission President Ricky Harcrow.
The first round of business was the election of a new President Pro-Tem of the Commission. Chris Kuykendall was unanimously chosen as the new Pro-Tem because of his seniority. It was also agreed upon by the Commission that meetings will continue to be the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 10am in the DeKalb County Activities Building.
Road Department Supervisor Tom Broyles requested that the Commission allow him to repost an available position within the Road Department for another two weeks. The Commission approved Broyles’ request.
DeKalb County Engineer Ben Luther thanked now-former commissioner DeWitt Jackson for his sixteen years of service. Luther had scheduled the vacation of County Road 681, and due to state law, he called a public hearing and asked that the floor be opened for anyone who had discussion on this issue. With no discussion, he requested that a resolution adopting this vacation be approved.
The Revenue Commission office asked the Commission to approve Becca Akins as collection clerk. They also requested that an open position as a collection clerk be posted to fill the position of Kristin Newman that was vacated on November 2.
Probate Judge Ronnie Osborn requested an open position vacated by Misty Jackson on December 31, 2018 be filled by Jasmine Wilson, who is currently employed by the County.
Jonathan Langley of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office asked, due to the retirement of Rodney Johnson, that the Commission approve Christina Ferguson to fill the vacated position. He also asked that they promote Blakely Moore to a Grade 6 Step 6 raise and to hire Lennon Jenkins as a part-time school resource officer.
Langley also gave an update on the addition of federal prisoners to the DeKalb County Detention Center. There have been no issues and everything is running smoothly. The vehicles for transport have been ordered and the jail now houses 35 federal inmates.
Commission President Ricky Harcrow reported that due to the open meetings law, he informed the media that the Commission would only hold one meeting during month of December. It will be held on Tuesday, December 12.
The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on November 27, 2018 at 10am in the DeKalb County Activities Building.
