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Chilton County Commission: seal adopted, equipment offers approved, and public comments request river economic study
Summary
The commission adopted a courthouse seal, approved multiple routine resolutions and equipment offers (including a $225,000 offer for a wheeled excavator), and heard public comments from Justin Overton of Coosa Riverkeeper seeking help promoting a Coosa River economic-impact study and from Daniel Hidalgo, who said he will stop holding events at his property.
At its Jan. 27 meeting the Chilton County Commission approved several administrative resolutions, voted to adopt a new courthouse seal and approved equipment-related motions, and heard public comments including a request for county support for a Coosa River economic-impact study.
Public comment highlights: Justin Overton representing Coosa Riverkeeper asked the commission to help promote a Coosa River economic impact study being produced with Auburn University at Montgomery. Overton said studies in other parts of the basin showed large recreational and tournament-related revenue and asked commissioners to share the study with chambers, business networks and county communications. "The last time that you heard from Coosa Riverkeeper was during the slot limit," Overton said, and he cited a prior study that estimated a $570,000,000 comprehensive economic impact with $10,400,000 in new annual revenue from bass tournaments.
Daniel Hidalgo used the public-comment period to address accusations made at a prior meeting; he said his legal counsel is looking into the allegations and that he has told law enforcement he will no longer host car events at his property. "I will no longer be hosting any events," Hidalgo said; he asked the county to consider a negotiated agreement with his counsel to avoid further expense, but said he would accept continued legal action if necessary.
Key votes and motions: The commission adopted seal number 1 for the new courthouse after a roll-call-style voice vote the chair summarized as five in favor, one opposed and one abstention (the record notes Commissioner Childers voted no and Commissioner Headley abstained). The commission approved an airport appropriation request with Commissioner Billingsley recorded as opposing. The commission voted to offer Dallas County $225,000 for a 22 Caterpillar wheeled excavator with attachments; the motion passed unanimously after discussion about condition and warranties. The commission granted the chair authority to sign improvement-grant documents as they arrive during fiscal year 2026 and approved payment of Thompson Tractor invoices with Commissioner Childress abstaining. The commission also approved a resolution to modify the commission employee handbook effective immediately and subsequently adjourned.
Why it matters: Public comments signaled local interest in river-based economic development and community concerns about private events. Several administrative votes move routine county business forward, including procurement and grant-authority processes.
What’s next: Staff will follow up on requests to promote the Coosa River study and will complete the CDBG closeout and other reporting and procurement steps approved by the commission.
