Coffee County commissioners approve FY2025 millage rates, accept jail renovation bid and authorize benefit and retirement amendments

The Coffee County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 12 unanimously approved the Coffee County Board of Education’s FY2025 tax levy, set the county’s FY2025 millage rate, accepted a low bid to renovate the Old County Jail/Douglas Police Department and authorized amendments to the county health and retirement plans.

County Administrator Wesley Vickers told the board a letter from the Coffee County Board of Education asked the commission to approve a school millage of 14.493 mills, a slight rollback from the previous rate. Commissioner Jimmy Kitchens moved to approve the school levy at 14.493 mills; Commissioner Ted O’Steen seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

Vickers also reviewed the county tax levy, which the commission had properly advertised. The county levy was approved at 7.465 mills, with 0.500 mills dedicated to the Coffee County Economic Development Authority and the remaining 6.965 mills earmarked for county operations. Vickers estimated the levy would raise approximately $8.2 million.

On procurement, bids were opened for renovations to the Old County Jail/Douglas Police Department. The board recorded two bids: Harper & Company Builders, Inc. at $199,308 and Charles E. Lewis Construction Company, Inc. at $239,007. Suttles and Associates recommended the low bid. Vice Chairman AJ Dovers moved to accept Harper & Company Builders’ low bid of $199,308; Commissioner Jimmy Kitchens seconded the motion and the commissioners unanimously approved the award. The City of Douglas agreed to pay for the renovation work.

The commission also authorized changes to employee benefits. Vickers presented an amendment to the Coffee County Health Benefit Plan to allow all county elected officials to enroll in the county plan, effective Jan. 1, 2026; the county named the coroner, the state court judge and the state court solicitor as examples of positions that could be added. Commissioners voted unanimously to give the chairman authorization to sign the health-plan amendment.

Separately, Vickers reviewed two proposed changes to the Coffee County Retirement Plan: allow a spousal annuity option in lieu of a lump-sum death benefit (estimated actuarial cost about $3,400 per year) and allow an in-service distribution for up to 36 months when an employee reaches normal retirement age (estimated actuarial cost about $17,000 per year). Vickers told the board he will return with final figures if those numbers change materially. The commissioners unanimously approved giving the chairman authorization to sign the retirement plan amendment.

Votes at a glance

• Approve meeting agenda — motion passed unanimously. • Approve Coffee County Board of Education tax levy — 14.493 mills; passed unanimously. • Approve Coffee County tax levy — 7.465 mills (0.500 mills for Economic Development Authority); passed unanimously. • Award renovation contract for Old County Jail/Douglas Police Department to Harper & Company Builders, Inc. — $199,308; passed unanimously; City of Douglas to fund. • Authorize chairman to sign amendment to Coffee County Health Benefit Plan (enroll elected officials) — passed unanimously; effective Jan. 1, 2026. • Authorize chairman to sign amendment to Coffee County Retirement Plan (reviewed two options; staff to return if actuarial figures change) — passed unanimously.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Johnny Wayne Jowers and was adjourned at 11:40 a.m. by unanimous vote. County Attorney Tony Rowell, County Administrator Wesley Vickers and County Clerk Tracie Vickers were present for the special called meeting.