By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com
DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Commission held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 9.
At the meeting, County Administrator Matt Sharp reported for the past five years, the County had been offering health and wellness screenings to County employees in exchange for discounts on their selected insurance provider.
In the past, employees have received upwards of $25,000 in discounts, and in 2021, the provider has stated that discounts will be discontinued. However, the County will continue to offer a $100 incentive to obtain 80% participation within the pool of County employees.
Sharp also addressed the continuation of the COVID-19 leave policy. The CARES Act funding provided by the federal government will grant administrative leave instead of sick leave to County employees who test positive or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus. Sharp requested the policy remain in place through September 30.
In the absence of a representative from the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Sharp stated a bid to K&K Systems in the amount of $11,599 was awarded to pay for message boards. Through reimbursements from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the agency will be able to obtain two additional message boards.
DeKalb County Road Superintendent Tom Broyles delivered a maintenance update and advised that March 16 would the official date of auction for County trucks in their buyback program.
DeKalb County Engineer Ben Luther requested the 2021 County Transportation Plan bid be awarded to Charles E. Watts for surface treatment in the amount of $1,385,918.31. This request was approved by the Commission.
Brad Gregg, Chief Deputy of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, requested approval to participate in an investigation training in Nashville, Tenn. on child homicide. The Commission approved Gregg’s request.
Along with personnel changes, Gregg started a building dedication would be held on Friday, February 12 at 11 a.m. to honor former DeKalb County Sheriff Cecil Reed, the late deputy Mickey Bowen, and former county commissioner Charles Bell.
The following Board appointments were:
- Blake Fire Department: Terry Parker
- DeKalb-Jackson Water Supply District: Craig Harris
- 911 Board: Jimmy Carter
The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on Tuesday, March 9 at 10 a.m. in the DeKalb County Activities Building.