Tuscaloosa County Commission approves $12.58 million courthouse renovation, terminates Heritage Healthcare contract and OKs multiple property actions
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Summary
At its Feb. 18 meeting the Tuscaloosa County Commission voted unanimously to award a $12.58 million courthouse renovation contract to Harrison Construction, terminate a contract with Heritage Healthcare, authorize several condemnation and demolition actions, appoint Greg Long to the county economic development authority and approve community funding for a high school team.
The Tuscaloosa County Commission voted unanimously Feb. 18 to award the bid for courthouse renovations to Harrison Construction for $12,580,000 and approved a slate of other county actions including contract termination, property condemnations and demolition resolutions.
The decision to award the courthouse contract came after a motion by Commissioner Jerry Tingle and a second by Commissioner Stan Acker. Chairman Ward D. "Rob" Robertson presided over the meeting. The commission also voted unanimously to terminate the county's contract with Heritage Healthcare following a motion from Commissioner Jerry Tingle and a second by Commissioner Mark C. Nelson.
The votes were part of a longer consent-and-action agenda that included authorization for the Engineering Department to install a historical marker related to the Byler Road Trail Project; acceptance of museum items for display at the Synergic Center; and approval of a Radio Tower and Light Maintenance Agreement presented by Lt. Jeff Judd for $22,584.02 with an annual monitoring cost of $1,620.00. Chief Financial Officer April Hoffman presented and the commission approved warrants covering county expenditures for January 2026 totaling $12,466,553.09.
The commission authorized County Attorney Robert Spence to begin condemnation proceedings for multiple properties, including 13955 Highway 171 (Parcel# 19-06-13-0-001-009.000) in District I and 2507 Main St NE (Parcel# 30-03-05-4-003-004.000) in District II; a separate condemnation for property at 2600 Clements Road (Parcel# 30-07-26-4-004-004.000) in District II was tabled. The commission also authorized condemnation for 7245 Sunflower Ln (Parcel 30-07-26-4-003-006.007) in District II and granted a 60-day repair extension for a cluster of Sandy Ridge Phase I parcels while repairs are undertaken.
On nuisance abatement, commissioners adopted resolutions authorizing demolition of several properties in Districts III and IV and removed three addresses from the list of structures deemed public nuisances. In one case involving property at 23209 East Ridge Dr., commissioners amended a motion to grant a 30-day extension rather than immediate demolition.
The commission declared 26 Public Works units surplus and authorized disposal; it also authorized sale of a 2012 Ford F-250 (VIN 1FT7X2B68CEC99347) to the Yellow Creek Volunteer Fire Department for $1,000, to be funded from District I community development funds. Commissioners departed from the agenda to approve $6,697.35 in community development funding to transport the Sipsey Valley High School basketball team, cheerleaders and fans to the Sweet 16 tournament at Jacksonville State.
After an executive session, the commission unanimously appointed Greg Long to the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority (d/b/a Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority) to serve the remainder of Norman Crow's term ending Nov. 13, 2028.
Chairman Robertson also recognized the passing of Ms. Margaret Clark for long service to the Carrolls Creek Volunteer Fire Department and acknowledged Dr. Paul Nelson, father of Commissioner Mark C. Nelson, for attending his first county meeting.
The commission adjourned to its next scheduled meeting on March 4, 2026.