Chilton County Commission adopts resolution formally disapproving chair’s public comments

The Chilton County Commission voted May 12 to adopt a resolution expressing formal disapproval of certain public comments made by Commission Chair Allen Williams, saying the remarks were "inappropriate and unbecoming of the chairman" and risked being construed as the commission's official views.

Commissioner Perkins, who moved the resolution and read it aloud to the board, said the measure was intended to protect the county’s relationships with other governmental bodies and to ask the chair to "exercise greater care and discretion in making public comments." Perkins said the issue was less about factual accuracy in a particular post than about the "subjective nature" and perceived inflammatory tone of the chair’s public postings.

The measure prompted extended discussion among commissioners about past interactions with the Chilton County Board of Education and whether the chair’s social media posts had damaged working relationships. Several commissioners said they had repeatedly asked the chair to consider the commission’s image before posting. When offered the opportunity to respond during the meeting, Chair Allen Williams declined to make a substantive response at that time.

After debate, the resolution passed with four votes in favor, one vote against and two abstentions. The resolution took effect immediately upon adoption and includes language directing the chair to consider the commission’s public image when posting and to conduct himself "in a manner consistent with the dignity and responsibilities of the office."

The commission’s action does not remove the chair from office; it is a formal expression of disapproval and a request that Williams moderate future public comments. Commissioners said the resolution aims to restore public confidence and to reassert that individual remarks by the chair should not be read as the county’s official position.