Covington County Commission approves retiree supplement, orders engineering vehicles and green-lights public-works contracts

The Covington County Commission on May 26 approved a series of measures including a one-time supplemental payment to eligible retirees, immediate vehicle purchases for the engineering department, and contracts and solicitations to keep several county services running.

County staff told the commission that state legislation (identified in the meeting as Act 2006608) authorizes a one-time supplement for retirees and that the county's estimated cost is $26,936. "The retiree will receive $1 per each month of service credited to their account," said Miss Karen, explaining the payment will be made to retirees in October and the county must fund the cost by Aug. 31. Commissioners voted to approve the lump-sum payment.

The commission also acted on the engineering department's urgent vehicle needs. Derek, the engineer overseeing road operations, said repeated mechanical failures left the department short-handed and requested two F-150 pickups immediately and a cabin-chassis (a 550) to replace the mechanic truck. Commissioners approved purchasing two F-150s from state bid sources, authorizing roughly $99,436 to come from the general fund, and directed staff to place an order for the 550 chassis that will be paid when delivered.

On county services and contracts, the commission approved a motion to solicit bids to continue the roll-off container program (a one-year contract with two renewal options) after hearing that the program's usage had significantly exceeded expectations and is rotated among districts. The commission also awarded the unit-price turf-herbicide and roadway mowing bid to Rightway for the core applications covered in the packet, while instructing staff to obtain commission approval before using optional extra items that would exceed budgeted funds.

Other actions: commissioners accepted a donated 2012 Ford F-250 from PowerSouth for use by the sheriff's office and emergency management, reappointed Jamie Whismer and Corey Sperland to two seats on the 911 board while tabling discussion of Marvin Williford's seat pending further application materials, adopted an updated engineering organizational chart and approved hiring up to four additional part-time road-department employees (under 28 hours per week) plus seasonal co-op students for summer help.

Officials also discussed leasing county-owned space to the Alabama Department of Revenue at a proposed $18 per square-foot rate, timed to the tenant's September lease expiration and a planned minor buildout. Commissioners voted to move forward on that lease arrangement.

Public-safety and election officials used the meeting to applaud local election staff and to describe recruiting college students as precinct workers to help staffing; the county noted roughly 23% turnout for the recent primary and previewed a special primary on Aug. 11 and the November general election.

Votes at a glance - Reappoint Jamie Whismer and Corey Sperland to the 911 board: approved (motion by Ben; second by Miss Lynn). One seat (Marvin Williford) tabled for further review. - Approve one-time retiree lump-sum payment (estimated county cost $26,936; payment of $1 per month of credited service; payments made to retirees in October): approved (motion from Tommy; second from Ben). - Lease county space to Department of Revenue at $18/sq ft (timed to tenant move after September): approved (motion by Miss Lynn; second by Tommy). - Solicit bids for roll-off container program (one-year with two renewal options): approved (motion by Tommy; second by Ben). - Accept donated 2012 Ford F-250 for sheriff/EMA from PowerSouth: approved (motion by Tommy; second by Miss Lynn). - Purchase two F-150s (state bid) and order cabin-chassis 550 for engineering department (approx. $99,436 from general fund for two F-150s; 550 ordered to be paid on delivery): approved (motion by Miss Lynn; seconded; voice vote). - Award turf-herbicide and mowing bid to Rightway for core applications (additional items require separate approval): approved (motion by Ben; second by Tommy). - Adopt engineering department organizational chart and hire up to four part-time employees (under 28 hours/wk) to bring part-time staff to no more than six and allow summer co-op students: approved (motion by Miss Lynn; seconded).

What it means next County staff will notify retirees through RSA and the county about the supplemental payment schedule and will proceed with vehicle purchases and the 550 chassis order. Public-works staff will issue the roll-off solicitation and begin contract administration for turf/herbicide and mowing work with oversight on any optional extra services. The commission did not record roll-call tallies; actions were taken by voice vote as indicated in the minutes.

Notable quotes "We are hosting an 8U Cal Ripken district tournament starting June the 4th at Johnson Park," said Alan Braceful, representing the recreation board, inviting commissioners to attend the opening night. "The retiree will receive $1 per each month of service credited to their account," said Miss Karen, describing the state-authorized supplement and the county's funding responsibilities.

The commission concluded routine business and the meeting record shows voice approvals for the listed items.