Chilton County commissioners voted unanimously to accept right-of-way deeds needed for widening County Road 114 and to reduce the posted speed limit on a portion of the road.

The motion authorizing the county to receive right-of-way deeds lets staff provide standard deed forms to property owners and authorizes payments of up to $10 per parcel without returning to the commission for additional approval; any payment above that amount would require further commission action. The board also approved a separate motion to reduce the speed limit from 35 to 25 miles per hour on the segment between County Road 73 and the second entrance of Champ Concrete.

Why it matters: commissioners said the actions are intended to improve safety and facilitate planned widening work on County Road 114. Lowering the speed limit and clearing right-of-way are preliminary steps the county must take before construction can proceed.

At the same meeting, Commissioner Childress asked for and won approval of a resolution to pay Chilton County’s half of a Wiregrass Striping invoice for $12,687.64 for pavement striping at the Loves intersection in Clanton. That invoice will be split with the City of Clanton as agreed.

County counsel explained the right-of-way resolution to the commission, saying the authorization allows staff to accept deeds and issue nominal immediate payments to secure property needed for the project. Commissioners voted on each motion by voice and raised hands; each motion passed unanimously.

The commission did not specify a construction schedule or estimate of overall project cost during the meeting. The next procedural step mentioned was execution of deed forms and coordination with property owners and the county attorney.

The commission adjourned after completing its agenda.