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Franklin County Commission approves FY24 transportation plan, backs ADEM stormwater grant and authorizes truck purchases
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Summary
At its Aug. 21 meeting the Franklin County Commission approved the FY24 Rebuild Alabama transportation plan, authorized a $195,000 ADEM ARP Phase II stormwater grant application with a $105,000 local match, declared two dump trucks surplus and approved procurement steps for two new trucks, among other personnel and budget actions.
The Franklin County Commission met Aug. 21, 2023 in a regular session and approved a series of budget, personnel and capital actions intended to advance road repairs, stormwater fixes and fleet renewal.
Chairman Barry Moore called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.; all commissioners except Commissioner Wallace were present. The board unanimously adopted its agenda (motions by Jason Miller and Joseph Baldwin) and approved prior minutes and bills. The meeting packet included requested letters and proposals for several items the board approved or discussed.
Most consequential for county operations, the commission approved the FY24 Rebuild Alabama County Transportation Plan, a schedule of eight resurfacing and related projects totaling about 11.26 miles and an estimated $1,602,000 in work. The plan identifies funding sources (CRAF and FAEF) and shows a projected shortfall of roughly $61,642.68 against planned Rebuild funds.
The commission also voted to seek ADEM ARP Phase II funding for a county-wide stormwater project. The formal resolution authorized submission of a $195,000 grant request and committed up to $105,000 in county matching funds; the Preliminary Engineering Report attached to the application lists 13 culvert or cross‑drain repair/replacement sites across Franklin County.
On fleet matters the board declared two 2020 Kenworth T800 dump trucks surplus and authorized listing them with J.M. Wood Auction Company; J.M. Wood’s packet included a $310,000 gross guarantee and a 6% commission proposal. Separately the commission approved a buyer's order to purchase two 2025 Kenworth T880 trucks; the buyer’s-order materials in the packet show a combined equipment sales price of $425,900 and financing terms to be finalized with the dealer.
The meeting also included multiple personnel actions across county offices: the coroner’s office replaced its secretary (effective Sept. 1), the sheriff’s office recorded several hires and resignations among deputies and dispatch/corrections staff and the solid waste department accepted a retirement while approving a part‑time hire and authorizing an advertising effort to fill another heavy equipment operator vacancy. The commission approved routine budget amendments for the EMA, the Revenue Commission (Tag Office), Franklin County Soil & Water and Sheriff’s SRO reimbursements.
County officials approved a Southern Health Partners annual jail medical base fee of $234,840 for FY24 (a 3% contract increase effective Oct. 1, 2023) and authorized taking bids to replace 13 failing water‑heating units at the jail, giving the sheriff authority to accept the lowest responsible bid after consulting the commission.
The board tabled a Rocket City Human Resources proposal to update job descriptions, the personnel handbook and pay scales (proposal cost $28,750; 3–6 months estimated) pending additional information. The commission approved its FY24 Safety Committee membership and quarterly meeting schedule and authorized the FY24 Long‑Term Detention Subsidy Contract with the Alabama Department of Youth Services.
The meeting packet contained multiple supporting documents — engineering letters, vendor proposals, budget revision forms and grant application materials — that the commission entered into the record. The meeting adjourned by unanimous vote. The commission will take further steps on advertised positions, procurement actions and grant follow-ups as required by each item’s implementation steps.