Commission stresses Importance of Infrastructure Improvements

Commission stresses Importance of Infrastructure Improvements

By Zach Hester, Reporter • zach@southerntorch.com

DeKALB COUNTY, Ala. — (Full Video on our Facebook) The DeKalb County Commission held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, February 26. President Pro Tem Chris Kuykendall acted as President, due to the absence of Commission President Ricky Harcrow.

Deputy Director Michael Posey of the DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency updated the Commission on the emergency operations that have been taken since issues with flooding began after last week’s constant rain. The Commission approved and ratified a local state emergency due to the weather issues.

Posey reported on the suspected, but still unconfirmed, drowning at Buck’s Pocket that occurred over the weekend. The individual is still missing at the time of press. 

Road Department Superintendent Tom Broyles addressed the Commission on his department’s work in the wake of the previously stated flooding issues. At the time of the meeting, five roads in DeKalb County were closed. 

During the meeting, District 1 Commissioner Shane Wootten stressed the importance of paying attention to Governor Kay Ivey’s upcoming infrastructure initiatives, which is expected to include a proposal to raise the gas tax in order to more effectively address infrastructure needs across the State of Alabama. The tax has not been raised since 1992.

“Infrastructure is the foundation of our state’s and our county’s economy,” said Wootten. “Right now, in DeKalb County, and most other counties in this state, the infrastructure is in a state of crisis.” 

“Many of us around this table have said this many times: we haven’t had an increase in infrastructure [funding] since 1992. Since that time, road construction costs have went up over tenfold,” he continued. Wootten further stated that necessary infrastructure improvements could improve the odds that Alabama, and DeKalb County, become a more appealing place for companies to begin working in. 

The Commission approved the following:

  • Out-of-county travel for the Council on Aging’s trips throughout the year
  • For the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office: Hired Tiffany Barksdale as a full-time Corrections Officer to replace Giles Phillips, Hired Zachary Davis as a full-time Corrections Officer to fill a vacant position, Transferred Donald Morgan from a full-time corrections officer to the road crew
  • For the Road Department: Surplus equipment, Hired Chris Harvey for part-time work
  • For County Engineer Ben Luther: The attendance of the County Engineer’s conference in Orange Beach, HRRR Resolution

The Commission made the following appointments:

  • Anthony Clifton to the 911 Board
  • Tim Maness, Max Smith to the High Falls Park Board
  • Hugh Phillips to the Blake Community Fire Protection Board
  • Robert Harris to the Peak’s Corner Fire Protection Board (reappointment)

The next meeting of the DeKalb County Commission will be held on Tuesday, March 12 at 10am in the DeKalb County Activities Building.