Chilton County approves surplus and harvest of timber at Manuka Park; revenue to Manuka Park fund

The Chilton County Commission voted on Sept. 9 to surplus and sell timber from Manuka Park and to approve an agreement with a contractor to harvest the timber, with proceeds directed to the Manuka Park fund.

Commissioners approved a resolution to surplus and sell timber at Manuka Park for the purpose of creating a parking lot and expanding campsites. The motion passed unanimously. The commission then approved an agreement with Tony Reynolds to harvest the timber and authorized the chairman to sign; that motion also passed unanimously.

During discussion a commissioner said the timber supply was small and estimated the value at approximately $3,000 to $4,000, describing the sale as a way to clear material for park improvements rather than a major revenue source. Another commissioner asked whether the county needed to solicit additional bids; the motion’s supporter said the timber’s estimated value was low enough that seeking multiple bids was not required.

Commission staff were directed to deposit any revenue from the harvest into the Manuka Park fund. The commission did not record further environmental assessments, harvest timelines or bonding/insurance details in the meeting transcript.

Clarifying details and next steps - Estimated proceeds: commissioners discussed an estimated range of about $3,000–$4,000 for the timber; the figure was given during discussion and was described as approximate. - Competitive procurement: a commissioner asked whether others should be solicited; the motion’s supporter said the low value did not require additional solicitations. - Implementation: the chairman was authorized to sign the harvest agreement and the commission instructed staff to deposit revenue into the Manuka Park fund. No harvest schedule or contractor insurance/bonding requirements were recorded in the transcript.