The Cleburne County Commission voted to authorize the Department of Economic Development to file an official challenge to the Federal Communications Commission’s broadband-service map, saying the map does not reflect actual service in local communities. The motion to file the challenge was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote.

Chair (Speaker 1) introduced the resolution, saying the county "does not believe the FCC actively reflects the Internet service available" in the Lambert/Rammer community and directed staff to proceed with the official challenge. The approval authorizes county staff to file the formal map challenge with supporting data.

The commission also approved several routine and contingent items in the same meeting. Staff recommended, and the commission voted to award, a CDBG waterline contract for CDBG project CY-CMD-20-009 to Strain Construction Company for $66,951, contingent on ADEC/ADAP approval and final forms. The county authorized the chairman to sign the notice of award.

Under Alabama Code section 11‑4‑41, staff recommended Metro Bank of Heflin as the county’s qualified depository offering the most competitive terms for certificates of deposit; the commission authorized the county administrator to notify Metro Bank and proceed with renewals.

On personnel policy, the commission voted to rescind resolution 5141 that changed June 19 observance and instead provide county employees with a second floating holiday, with payroll handling to reflect the change on employee paystubs. The commission also voted to direct staff to draft language to restrict the use of glyphosate on county rights of way after Commissioner Mark Truitt raised safety concerns; the commission moved the herbicide policy forward for final language and approved drafting work.

Other agenda decisions included tabling a proposed agreement to accept a deed and maintenance arrangement for a water tower related to a factory expansion (item tabled for later consideration) and reaffirming that all new landfill business must be presented to the commission; staff will locate an earlier resolution that may already restrict landfill activity.

Votes at a glance:
• FCC broadband map challenge: motion carried (voice vote).
• CDBG waterline award to Strain Construction Co. ($66,951), contingent on ADEC approval: approved.
• Metro Bank certificate of deposit renewal/selection: approved.
• Rescind resolution 5141 and provide second floating holiday for employees: approved (vote recorded as four ayes in transcript).
• Table water tower/deed agreement item: motion to table carried.
• Direct staff to draft glyphosate exclusion language for rights-of-way: motion carried.

The commission also adopted a resolution expressing appreciation for a longtime county employee who served 24 years. Staff will return with final documents, ADEC/ADAP approvals where required, and the drafted herbicide language for future commission action.

Quoted material in this article is taken directly from the meeting transcript and is attributed to the meeting speaker labels used at the session.