Houston County commissioners place budget amendments, road projects and subdivision matters on next agenda; chairman praised for roadside rescue

Commissioners of Houston County met in regular session to review and place multiple agenda items for forthcoming action, discuss funding for local projects and to recognize a roadside rescue involving Chairman Shoop.

The presiding commissioner opened the meeting and reminded attendees of a 9:30 a.m. public hearing on proposed subdivision regulations before the commission’s regular 10:00 a.m. session. A committee member recounted that on the way to the meeting he and others, including "Chairman Shoop," rendered aid to a motorist after a serious crash that appeared to stem from a medical episode; the committee member said Shoop "did not hesitate" to jump into an eight‑foot ditch and assist until emergency services arrived.

Commissioner comment: "I don't I don't think I'm a hero," the presiding commissioner said, later recounting the attempted rescue and closing with the remark he quoted from his trainer, "Try before you cry."

On business, commissioners announced Item 1: a proposed resolution to authorize participation in the ACCA self‑insurance fund for an assumed multi‑year period (presented as 2027–2029). A staff member told the commission joining the ACCA pool provides pooled risk management, periodic audits and potential premium credits, and is generally more advantageous than seeking separate coverage.

The commission discussed Item 2, a budget amendment tied to Wiregrass Electric loan proceeds intended to fund utility improvements at the county’s industrial park. Staff described the county receiving about $3,333,000 from Wiregrass Electric with a county contribution described in the discussion as $37,000, producing the $370,000 entry being moved into the spending side of the budget; the presiding commissioner said roughly 20% would come from the general fund and about 80% from the loan proceeds. At the time the agenda placement question was asked an objection to placing this item was recorded; no final approval action appears in the transcript.

Item 3 involved an opioid settlement grant from the state for $52,173.91 to pay allowable inmate‑related expenses at the county jail. Staff said the expense authority was already in the budget and the amendment is administrative to record the incoming revenue that will cover those expenses. A committee member noted the funding was distributed through the sheriff’s association and was available to many counties.

Under Item 4, commissioners reviewed a request to accept rights of way along Dee Clark Road where property owners outside the Town of Taylor petitioned the county to retake the right of way. The county previously vacated its interest after a developer had pledged to pave the road and perform improvements that have not occurred; the Town of Taylor had passed a resolution retaining its own right‑of‑way for the portion inside town limits. Commissioners said accepting the county right of way would allow the county to perform maintenance again on that stretch of road that lies outside the town boundary.

The commission also considered a pre‑final plat for Flowers Plantation Subdivision at the intersection of 123 and Judge Loeb Road in Wicksburg; staff and the engineer stated the plat meets Houston County subdivision regulations.

Items 6–8 covered resolutions requesting MPO/NPO funding for resurfacing: Heblin Avenue (Westgate Parkway to U.S. 431), Fort Worth Street (Alabama 605 to Honeysuckle Road) and Bethlehem Road (Alabama 605 to the Dale County line). Commissioners asked about project timelines; staff said these projects are "a good ways out," likely next year, and that a timeline and public notice will be provided before work begins.

There were no formal roll‑call votes recorded in the provided transcript; several items were posed to the board for placement on the agenda and many drew no objection when asked, though the Wiregrass Electric budget amendment had an objection noted in the transcript. The meeting closed after the presiding commissioner asked for any further business and, hearing none, moved to adjourn.

Next steps: the commission will hold the advertised public hearing on subdivision regulations and reconvene Monday to continue the listed business.