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

PHOTO: DeKalb Co. Road Superintendent Tom Broyles addressed the Commission regarding efforts to reopen all county roads. (Marla Jones | Southern Torch)

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — (Full video on southerntorch.com) The DeKalb County Commission held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, July 28. 

Road Superintendent, Tom Broyles gave the Commission updates on the recent Easter Flood Damage and the road department attempts to get all roads ready for traffic.  The Easter Event was one of the largest flooding events in the area.

Broyles also brought forth the purchase of new trucks.  The amount for the trucks will be $20,000 less than previously spent on vehicle purchases. The Commission approved the purchase. 

County Engineer, Ben Luther requested a Vacation Public Hearing for an abandoned section of CR 628.  With no one in the audience commenting, the Commission voted to vacate the abandoned section of the road. 

With the recent grant that was received by the DeKalb County Sheriffs Office, the office will be able to hire more employees.  Sheriff Nick Welden stated to the Commission that he would like to fill those positions from within.  Seth Butler, Logan Smith along with Will Formby will advance from jailers to deputy positions. 

County Administrator, Matt Sharp asked that the FY20-21 Transportation Contract, which is an annual contract be renewed.  The Commission approved the contract.   

Sharp advised that three polling places would be closed before the November 2020 election. All changes must be made within 90 days of the election.  The polling sites that will be closed will be Five-Points, Pea Ridge, and Antioch. 

District 4 Chair for the DeKalb County Republican Party, Marshall Stiefel was present at the Commission meeting.  “I want to thank the Commission for their speedy work in getting these polling places closed.  Voter turnout was low at these sites.  I feel like it will be more cost-efficient for the voters of DeKalb County” concluded Stiefel. 

The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on August 11, 2020.