By Marla Jones, Managing Editor
DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — The DeKalb County Commission held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 12 in the DeKalb County Activities Building.
Road Superintendent Tom Broyles gave a maintenance update, stating that his department was “just trying to survive and keep up with pothole patching” after all the recent wet weather.
County Administrator Matt Sharp reported two damage claims. The first being in the amount of $1,596 and the second being $2,925. Both incidents occurred on County Road 90 and were forwarded on to the County’s insurance carrier.
DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden asked the Commission to approve the transfers of Dan Jordan from full-time transport officer to a full-time correctional officer and Gary Bouldin from full-time correctional officer to full-time transport officer. He also requested that David Smith and Devell Bell be allowed to attend ACCA Training in Prattville later this month.
Welden also reported that the Sheriff’s Office would begin moving to 10-hour shifts instead of 12-hour shifts which will result in a 80-hour pay period instead of an 84-hour one. Due to this two part-time deputies, Gregg Brown and Jerry Fortner, would need to made full-time employees. The Commission approved all of the requests from the Sheriff’s Office.
The Commission opened the floor for a public hearing concerning the vacation of County 283. No comments were made and the road was vacated.
County Engineer Ben Luther announced that Donohoo Chevrolet was the low bid for 2019 ½ Ton 4WD Crew Cab trucks in the amount of $37,104.50 (base price) per vehicle. Add-ons were $795 for a LED strobe light system. The vehicles will be delivered within six to eight weeks.
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) opened bids for resurfacing projects on County Roads 165 and 631. The bid was granted to Charles E. Watts of Gadsden.
The Commission authorized County Administrator Sharp and Commission President Ricky Harcrow to enter into a High Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) funding agreement for safety funds to replace guard rails on two bridges in the amount of $125,384. The agreement is a 90-10 split with federal and local funds, respectively.
DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency Director Anthony Clifton gave an update on the State of Emergency that was declared last month by Governor Kay Ivey, who extended the declaration to include the recent tornado damage in Lee County. Clifton felt sure that this would prompt a presidential declaration. The State Preliminary Damage workers with County Engineer Luther and agreed on Tutwiler Gap and Wade Gap damages, as well as County Road 835’s damage.
The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held at 10am on Tuesday, March 26 at the DeKalb County Activities Building.