Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the County Government Decisions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Cleburne County Commission authorizes multiple actions, tables water-tower deed; bans glyphosate on county rights-of-way
Summary
The Cleburne County Commission authorized several administrative actions, including a challenge to the FCC broadband map and a CDBG waterline award, rescinded a local Juneteenth scheduling resolution, and voted to exclude glyphosate from county rights-of-way; the commission tabled action on a proposed deed for a new water tower pending outside approvals.
The Cleburne County Commission on an agenda that included a mix of routine business and policy items authorized several motions, adopted a pair of administrative resolutions and tabled one water-tower deed pending additional approvals.
The commission voted to authorize the county’s Department of Economic Development to file an official challenge to the Federal Communications Commission broadband-service map for the Rammer (Ramon) community, saying the commission does not believe the FCC map accurately reflects local service. A commissioner moved and the motion carried by voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript.
The commission considered a request tied to TreeBlank (factory expansion) for a water tower that would be deeded to the commission and maintained under an agreement with the Ramon Water Authority; the commission discussed using a $15,000 tourism grant plus other local funds for the tower. After discussion, commissioners moved to table the item. Staff said tabling would preserve the county’s ability to apply in the next grant cycle while the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) and other approvals are sought.
The commission approved awarding a CDBG waterline construction bid for County Road 644-826 to Strain Construction Company in the amount of $66,951, contingent upon ADECA approval, and authorized the chairman to sign the notice of award. The award followed a recommendation by LAD Environmental Consultants and passed on a voice vote.
On county personnel and holidays, the commission rescinded Resolution No. 5141 that had moved the county’s observance of Juneteenth to June 10 and instead agreed to give county employees a second floating holiday annually. The transcript records the motion passed by voice vote with four “ayes.”
On solid-waste policy the commission reiterated that all new landfill business must receive commission approval prior to operation. Commissioners said this action formalized an already-existing process and voted in favor on a voice vote.
The commission voted to change county herbicide policy on rights-of-way to exclude glyphosate; the county engineer had said an alternative chemical could be used but might be more expensive. The motion passed on a voice vote.
On county banking the commission authorized the county administrator to notify Metro Bank of the county’s acceptance of a proposal for certificates of deposit and to work with the bank to renew or continue CD services, citing Alabama Code section 11-4-41 for the selection process.
The commission also adopted a resolution recognizing Ryan Robson’s 24 years of county service and extended the county’s appreciation.
Staff reports raised administrative and operational matters rather than formal commission votes. The county’s finance and administration staff reported that the county’s property insurance underwriter had withdrawn from underwriting its account; the lone quote received so far showed an estimated premium increase from roughly $67,000–$68,000 last year to about $155,000 this year. Staff told commissioners the county’s administrator and insurer broker are still seeking alternative quotes and would present options, including potential changes to deductibles.
Other staff updates included audit status (final trial-balance adjustments pending) and ongoing correspondence with a private contractor (West Management) over lease and compliance issues. Commissioners also discussed the personnel manual and step-increase rules; staff said final decisions would return to the commission for approval.
Votes at a glance
- FCC service-map challenge: motion carried (voice vote). - Water tower deed and maintenance agreement (TreeBlank/ Ranon): motion to table (tabled) — contingent on ADECA/other approvals. - CDBG waterline award (project CY-...-20-009): award to Strain Construction Company, $66,951, contingent upon ADECA approval (approved). - Rescind Resolution No. 5141 (Juneteenth holiday) / grant second floating holiday to employees: approved (voice vote; transcript records four ayes). - Requirement that new landfill businesses receive commission approval before conducting business: approved (voice vote; item tabled previously then reaffirmed). - Herbicide policy change to exclude glyphosate on rights-of-way: approved (voice vote). - Authorize Metro Bank CD renewal/acceptance under Alabama Code 11-4-41: approved (consent agenda). - Recognition of Ryan Robson (24 years): approved (consent agenda).
No recorded roll-call tallies or named vote lists were included in the meeting transcript for most motions; outcomes above reflect voice votes and procedural statements recorded by the clerk.
