By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — (Full Video on our Facebook) The DeKalb County Commission held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, September 24 at the DeKalb County Activities Building.

At the meeting, the Commission passed their annual budget. For the 2020 fiscal year, the amount of the budget was $21.8 million. 

A short summary of the budget includes $4,377,00 for general government, $8,263,000 for public safety, $1,573,958 for other county departments, $6,882,000 for roads, and $791,500 for other agencies. The Commission proclaimed the second week of October as “DeKalb County Homemakers Week” for being leaders in their community. 

The Food Bank of North Alabama advised that they covered 11 counties and this year alone, they have donated ten million pounds of food in the State of Alabama. Qualifying DeKalb County seniors who require food assistance from the Food Bank of North Alabama are free to sign up for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) at any of the following senior centers in the county: Fyffe, Geraldine, Collinsville, Ider, Rainsville, Crossville, and Fort Payne. To see qualifications, please see the flyer posted on our Facebook page.

Michael Posey of the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) awarded the Annual Safety Award to Danny Wilborn. On May 23, 2019, Mr. Wilborn performed life-saving skills on someone who was choking at the senior center, after receiving his training only a few weeks prior.

Road Superintendent Tom Broyles reported that road reclaiming was almost done, with the exception of County Road 734, which needed to be treated. Broyles hoped to have the project completed by next week. He reported that the last rounds of mowing were near completion. He also discussed the truck lease resolution. In personnel, Broyles requested Terry Wadsworth to fill the open District 3 position and the District 2 position to be reposted. 

DeKalb County Engineer Ben Luther requested that the Commission would extend previous quotes to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) for the next fiscal year for snow and ice removal. He also gave a report on the annual bid awards. 

In the Sheriff’s Office, Chief Deputy Brad Gregg discussed open positions and updated the Commission on transfers. He requested the acceptance of the retirement of Investigator Scott Tarrant and the re-hire of Tarrant as a part-time investigator.

Emily McCamy of the DeKalb County Council on Aging discussed the upcoming health fair on Wednesday, October 2 at Minvale Baptist Church beginning at 8:30am. 

The Commission appointed the following members to the Board of Equalization: Ashley Vaughn, Scott Wynn and Debra Pitts.

The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 10am.