Sheriff requests two full-time hires; commission to process multiple personnel items

Chilton County officials recorded a request from the sheriff's office for two new hires: Domingo Ayala to be hired as a full-time corrections officer and Lucas Middleton as a full-time deputy sheriff, both effective March 15.

The commission asked whether there were questions about the hires; none were raised during the reading. The items were presented as the only two hires the sheriff asked to make at this time.

Separately, commissioners discussed personnel matters across county departments. The parks department reported two departures (one retirement and one resignation), and the commission said it would request resolutions to remove those employees from payroll and to post the open positions. A janitorial employee was recommended for an annual pay increase after a completed evaluation. Commissioners also noted the county is advertising several open positions on the county job listing page and encouraged broad public awareness of the postings.

Commissioners offered an update on Commissioner Billingsley's health: he has been diagnosed with stage 4 acute Hodgkin's lymphoma and has begun treatment; commissioners asked the room to keep him in their prayers and said he remains involved though not attending meetings while undergoing treatment.

None of the personnel items recorded in the meeting were formally approved during the session; the items were placed for action or were slated to appear on upcoming agendas.