Marla Jones, Managing Editor
FORT PAYNE, Ala.-- (Full Video on Southern Torch Facebook) The DeKalb County Commission held its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, October 11.
The DeKalb County Commission planned a farewell to outgoing Commissioner Chris Kuykendall but unfortunately, he was sick for his last Commission meeting. Kuykendall lost his reelection bid to Ron Saferite for District III Commissioner, in May.
The Commission, along with DeKalb County Administrator Matt Sharp reflected on the hard work that Kuykendall had performed for DeKalb County.
“I sure hope Commissioner Kuykendall is home listening to these kind words because he would never believe it” joked DeKalb County Commission President, Ricky Harcrow.
DeKalb County Road Department Supervisor Tom Broyles advised the Commission that the Road Department had hit a snag in their reclaiming road projects. This is due to the 33% increase in crusher run. This increase adds $6 more per ton. A mile of reclaiming of roads which were once $30.000 to $32,000 has increased to $45,000 to $49,000 per mile. After treatment, a mile of the road could average $100K.
Supervisor Broyles requested the rehire of William King to District #1 Road Department, which the Commission approved.
DeKalb County Engineer, Ben Luther asked the Commission to accept the bid by Thompson Tractor for $34,864.44, for repair to the 2008 Catapiler Motor Grader. The Commission approved the bid.
Luther also asked the Commission to reject the bid by Lambert Inc., for the bridge concrete deck on County Road 386, in the amount of $45,900. This proposal is three times higher than expected. Luther asked permission to rebid and the authority to approve an acceptable bid if one is submitted before the next council meeting. The Commission granted Luther the authority to do so.
The FY 2020 Rebuild Alabama Funds were amended to make some minor changes in roads that will be paved.
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden submitted the resignations of Bree Monroe (Dispatch), Tyler Pruitt (Full-TIme Deputy), Candance Bearden (Jail), and Nathan Palmer (Jail) which the Commission approved. Sydney McKay was moved from part-time to full-time dispatcher. Luke Yarbrough was hired as a Full-Time Deputy. Parker Perea was hired as a full-time corrections officer.
The Commission honored Mr. and Mrs. Orlan Ledford, with a proclamation celebrating their 69th anniversary. DeKalb County Commission President Ricky Harcrow presented the couple with a plaque and a cake for the occasion.
A plaque in appreciation of the help provided by the DeKalb County Commission in 2021 was presented by the DeKalb Toys for Tots campaign.
In other business:
- A building roof quote by K&S was approved for the DeKalb Revenue and Investigation office.
- Travel and Training approved for the Council on Aging
- John Dersham was reappointed to the Alabama Mountain Lakes Association
- James G. May was reappointed to the NE Water Board
- A resolution for federal money for $50,000 was approved to pay for two employees at the Child Advocacy Center
- DeKalb Homemakers Proclamiaition was presented
The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on November 16.
