Russell County approves appointments, opioid-funded position and $10,000 contribution to Eli Fire Department

The Russell County Fiscal Court confirmed a slate of local appointments, authorized hiring tied to opioid-settlement funds, approved contracts for bicentennial events and granted $10,000 to the Eli volunteer fire department to assist with a FEMA grant match.

Appointments: The court reappointed or appointed members to local boards. The clerk read nominations for the Angles Ford (name as read in the packet) appointment and the ethics board. Appointments announced during the meeting included Billy Bridal (reappointment), Paul Aaron (nomination to a seat previously held by Mike Selby), and ethics board nominees Aaron Pointer, Michelle Roy, Jenny Smith and Ryan Vaughn. Motions for the appointments were made and approved by voice vote.

Opioid funds and staffing: Court members discussed using opioid-settlement funds for a joint position to assist the county attorney; the court indicated it had applicants and authorized the judge to offer the position (motion made and approved by voice vote). The county referenced existing opioid-account funds and a proposed joint arrangement to cover the position.

Bicentennial and event contracts: The judge presented two contracts for bicentennial events (a hot-air balloon vendor and an entertainer). The contracts will be funded by community donations; court members authorized the judge to sign them.

Eli volunteer fire department: The court heard a presentation that the Eli Fire Department received a FEMA award of roughly $450,000 for a new tanker truck but must provide a 5% match (about $22,000). A motion was made and seconded to contribute $10,000 from county funds to help the department meet the match requirement. The motion was debated, several magistrates spoke to equity among volunteer departments, and the court proceeded to a recorded vote. Meeting remarks indicate mixed votes among magistrates during roll call; the court moved forward after the vote and participants commented that District 3 residents would appreciate the contribution. The meeting transcript does not provide a clear, fully attributed roll-call tally in the record provided here; staff were directed to follow up on payment and invoicing details.

Airport and other contracts: The airport board recommended Travis Dixon for lawn maintenance at the county airport; the court approved the board recommendation by motion. The court also approved two small-event contracts for the bicentennial (hot-air balloon and entertainer) and said donations cover their cost.

Ending: Staff were instructed to prepare contract documents, process appointment paperwork and coordinate next steps for the opioid-funded position and the Eli Fire Department payment; invoices and supporting billings were to be routed through the county treasurer.