Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the County Admin Actions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Covington County approves jail communications contract, opts to replace courthouse roof and appoints emergency management director
Summary
Commissioners voted to enter a contract to add a 2¢/minute communications fee at the jail to meet an FCC requirement, agreed to replace the courthouse roof with a 15-year-warranty option, and appointed Alan Siler as Emergency Management Agency director contingent on an MOU.
Covington County Commissioners on Feb. 24 approved several administrative actions, including a contract to add a federal-mandated communications surcharge at the county jail, a decision to replace the courthouse roof rather than patch it, and the appointment of an Emergency Management Agency director.
County staff presented a contract with CPC Communications that would add a 2¢ per-minute fee to phone and video visitation at the jail, a change described during the meeting as required by a federal (FCC) directive. County legal staff advised that revenues collected under the agreement must be deposited in a restricted account and used only for communications-related needs at the jail. The commission voted to enter the agreement by voice vote.
Facilities staff told the commission they had found gashes and other damage while cleaning the courthouse roof and presented two options: patch the roof for up to $5,000 or replace it for an additional $4,500 with a 15-year warranty. "You can patch it, and that would be no more than $5,000, or you can get a new roof for $4,500 more and it comes with a 15-year warranty," facilities staff said. The commission voted to replace (recoat) the roof rather than patch it.
The commission also nominated and approved Alan Siler as the county’s Emergency Management Agency director, contingent upon finalizing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with other departments. The motion to appoint Siler passed by voice vote.
In public comment, Walter Lewis, an investment banker with Piper Sandler, offered to meet with county officials about municipal-debt and borrowing options and left informational booklets. Representatives of Meridian Waste said their company, now operating locally after an acquisition, is interested in renewing the county’s solid-waste contract when its term expires; Meridian said it provides local employment and has improved operations since purchasing the local firm.
Other routine actions included continuing the county alcohol-license levy at the state-allowed maximum and announcing upcoming SARCOA board expirations and application procedures. Staff also announced several upcoming retirements and personnel transitions.
