Calhoun County Commission authorizes contracts, applies for ADEM grant and approves Comcast franchise

County staff and commissioners on Feb. 26 authorized several agreements and a franchise resolution intended to update county operations and expand broadband access.

Jonathan Gaddy presented an agreement with Lexipol to update the Sheriff’s Office administrative manuals at a cost of $117,137.00. Commissioner Shears moved to authorize the chairman to sign the agreement and Commissioner Henderson seconded; commissioners approved the contract by unanimous voice vote.

Mr. Gaddy also presented a software agreement with Assurance for the Probate Judge’s office. Probate Judge Millwood said the office has been using software installed more than 25 years and expects the new software to better serve citizens and yield cost savings. Commissioners authorized the chairman to sign the Assurance agreement by unanimous voice vote.

An agreement with Jackson Thornton & Co. P.C. for arbitrage services was authorized following a motion by Commissioner Henderson and a second from Commissioner Shears; the Commission approved the agreement unanimously.

The Commission adopted a resolution authorizing the county to apply for an ADEM grant; the resolution passed unanimously. Mr. Gaddy additionally presented a franchise resolution authorizing Comcast to perform broadband work in the county; Commissioner Wilson moved for adoption, Commissioner Henderson seconded, and commissioners approved the franchise unanimously. Commissioner Shears commented that expanded broadband access is a welcome development for citizens.

All contract and franchise approvals were unanimous, and the minutes do not list contract-specific performance dates or detailed budgets beyond the Lexipol amount.