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Commission approves in-kind county work at three schools after split vote
Summary
The commission approved county crews performing drainage repairs at Straughn ($16,110.60 materials) and W.S. Harlan ($4,090.90 materials) and labor-only tree removal at Fleeta after a 3–2 majority vote; Commissioners McGaha and Holmes opposed using county crews for the work.
The Covington County Commission voted 3–2 on July 28 to provide in-kind services at three county schools to address drainage and tree concerns.
County Engineer Derick Donaldson outlined three requested projects from Superintendent Nikki Guilford: a drainage repair at Straughn (materials estimated at $16,110.60), a drainage repair at W.S. Harlan (materials estimated at $4,090.90), and tree removal at Fleeta (county labor only). Commissioner Ben Courson moved to approve in-kind services for all three items; Commissioner Robbie Weaver seconded the motion.
Commissioners Lynne Holmes and Tommy McGaha objected to using county crews for what they described as nonurgent or aesthetic work. McGaha said, "I am not okay with the county removing a tree that is in proximity of the school," and Holmes expressed concern that road work needs should take priority over noncritical school maintenance. Chairman Michael Smith cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of the motion, producing a 3–2 majority in favor of providing the in-kind services.
The commission recorded estimated material costs for the two drainage repairs and noted the Fleeta tree removal would be labor only. Staff estimated Straughn would require approximately 5–6 working days to complete, W.S. Harlan about two days and Fleeta roughly one hour of county labor.
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