DeKalb County Commission approved moving forward with financing for a courthouse addition, adopted several election polling-place resolutions, approved local matching funds for a Fyffe road paving grant, amended the county transportation plan, approved multiple personnel changes across departments, and approved a radio system MOU amendment during its July 14, 2026 meeting at the DeKalb County Activities Building.
Discussion Points
•Acceptance of two resignations in the Sheriff’s Office and hiring a replacement.
•Approval of topographic and geotechnical studies to inform design.
•Authorization requested for County Administrator and Commission President to execute the MOU amendment.
•Commissioner Black moved to approve a $200,000 contribution.
•Community request to consolidate Grove Oak and Tenbroeck boxes to Kelly's Chapel.
•Debt overview for courthouse addition presented by Piper Sandler.
•Jail personnel changes including a termination, a promotion, several hires and shift moves.
•No bids received for Adamsburg Storm Shelter; plan to split into two bid packages.
•Presentation of SHIP contract for $5,000/year by Emily McCamy.
•Recommendation to enter an MOU to begin bond issuance work.
•Request for local matching funds for Town of Fyffe CDBG application to pave County Road 50.
•Request from Town of Kilpatrick to move polling site to new town hall.
•Request to accept resignation of Fort Payne Senior Center Manager Nadiya Rice and hire Francine 'Elaine' Hill.
•Request to add one additional P25 radio link from Little Tower in Cartersville to Wyatt Mountain Tower in Marshall County.
•Request to amend FY2026 County Transportation Plan to include five FAEF projects with itemized costs.
•Staff explanation of Act No. 2008-176 enabling voting centers.
Decisions
•Amendment to FY2026 County Transportation Plan approved with five projects and their approximate costs.
•Commission approved contributing $200,000 in matching funds for the Fyffe paving project.
•MOU with Piper Sandler approved to begin bond process (~$3.5M).
•P25 MOU amendment approved; added recurring cost $350 per month.
•Resignations and hires accepted; Eddie Jones promoted to sergeant; Adam West terminated; other hires/moves approved.
•SHIP contract accepted at $5,000 per year; personnel changes approved.
•Three polling-place resolutions adopted unanimously to move/merge polling sites and establish three voting centers.
•Topographic and geotechnical studies approved at approximate cost of $32,000.
Directions
•County Administrator and Commission President authorized to execute the amendment; staff to coordinate with FTC for implementation.
•County staff to coordinate funding logistics with the Town of Fyffe.
•Engineer to re-scope and re-bid Adamsburg project and to proceed with projects in the amended transportation plan.
•Personnel actions approved; departments to proceed with staffing changes.
•Staff to implement changes and notify affected voters and precinct personnel.
•Staff to implement the contract and personnel change.
•Staff to proceed with study contracts and to coordinate with Piper Sandler on financing steps.
The DeKalb County Commission met June 9, 2026, approving a contract with GMC Architects and authorization to seek financing for a new courtroom, adopting a retiree lump-sum resolution under Act 2026-608, approving broad jail staffing changes and an MOU with HealthCred for inmate coverage, and accepting a preliminary plat for Grand Estates Phase III.
Discussion Points
•Act 2023-315 added an additional district judgeship creating need for new courtroom.
•Act 2026-608 permits one-time payments of $1 per month of service if a local entity adopts a resolution.
•County Administrator proposed adding square footage vs. renovating existing floors due to cost considerations.
•County Administrator provided specific headcount and total cost figures.
•County staff presented an MOU with HealthCred that could reduce county medical costs for inmates.
•Engineer requested acceptance and permit issuance.
•Estimated project cost cited as $2.8M+.
•Extensive jail staffing changes needed across shifts due to promotions, resignations and terminations.
•Preliminary plat includes 16 lots and ~1,000 feet of road.
•Road crews reported routine maintenance activities and that all 2026 paving is complete.
•Staff requested personnel moves to fill district crew vacancies.
Decisions
•Agreement with GMC Architects accepted; administrator authorized to seek financing.
•Personnel changes and HealthCred MOU approved.
•Personnel changes approved; paving program complete for 2026.
•Preliminary plat accepted and permit authorized.
•Resolution adopted; county will fund payments totaling $34,685.
Directions
•Administrator authorized to seek financing and execute agreement with GMC Architects.
•Administrator to implement payment process after resolution adoption.
•County engineer authorized to issue development permit.
•HR and Road Department to implement approved hires and transfers.
•Staff to implement personnel changes and finalize the HealthCred MOU terms.
DeKalb County Commission met May 12, 2026 and handled routine business including road maintenance requests, two transportation contract awards, multiple jail personnel actions, a Council on Aging hire, and renewal of a federal rural transit (Section 5311) application.
Discussion Points
•Funding mix: $200,000 each from ALDOT and DCNR, remainder from county funds; three bids received.
•Hire to replace retiring SenioRx Coordinator Dianne Callahan (retiring June 1); Section 5311 renewal prepared by Russell Beam.
•List of terminations, promotions, transfers, hires and resignations for jail shifts.
•Road crews hauling chert, cutting bushes, mowing across all districts; dura-patchers operating in Districts 2, 3 and 4.
•Three bids submitted for CR-159; project covers removal of existing bridge, abutments and modular bridge installation.
The DeKalb County Commission met Nov. 12, 2025, approving multiple road projects and speed‑limit resolutions, awarding equipment purchases, adopting personnel actions for county departments including the sheriff’s office and road crews, and approving contracts including juvenile detention and a tax‑holiday resolution for severe weather preparedness.
Discussion Points
•Chief White presented personnel needs and replacements.
•COA hire and SeniorRx contract introduced by County Administrator on behalf of COA Director.
•Commission authorized procurement and financing for fleet replacement.
•County Administrator requested authorization to execute detention contract.
•Details on bid pricing, loyalty discounts and trade‑ins were provided by Mr. Young.
•EMA Director said policy changes were tied to County Risks Services requirements for safety incentive discounts.
•Engineer cited public safety as reason for speed‑limit changes.
•Engineer noted county will assist with crosswalk and signage and be reimbursed by State Park.
At its Oct. 14, 2025 meeting, the DeKalb County Commission approved the purchase of a John Deere backhoe for District 1, several personnel changes in the sheriff's office and revenue commission, a FY2026 contract with Jacksonville State University's Center for Applied Forensics, and a resolution naming two co-safety coordinators. The commission also proclaimed DeKalb Homemakers Week and set its next meeting for Nov. 12, 2025.
Discussion Points
•Road Department reported routine maintenance and District 1 reclaiming work; Mr. Young requested approval to purchase a backhoe.
Decisions
•Purchase of John Deere backhoe for District 1 approved; sheriff\u0002s office personnel changes approved; revenue commission hire approved; FY2026 JSU forensics contract approved; Safety Coordinator Resolution adopted; next meeting set for Nov. 12, 2025.
Directions
•Road Department to proceed with backhoe purchase under Sourcewell cooperative bid once approved.
DeKalb County Commission in special session on Sept. 30, 2025 adopted the FY25‑26 budget that includes step raises, one-time employee payments and a $100/month family health insurance premium reduction; commissioners also approved several departmental hires and heard an announcement of a CR‑173 resurfacing project into Buck’s Pocket that was described as costing the county nothing.
Discussion Points
•Commissioners asked no recorded follow‑up questions in the transcript before the motion to adopt.
•Commissioners moved and seconded each request; all motions passed unanimously.
•County Administrator Matt Sharp presented the FY25‑26 budget including step raises and employee one‑time payments.
•Multiple department representatives requested hiring approvals and a resignation was accepted for the Revenue Commission.
•Representative Ginny Shaver announced the CR‑173 resurfacing project and characterized it as costing the county nothing.
•Shaver expressed thanks to named state officials and leaders for their assistance.
Decisions
•Adopted FY25‑26 budget as presented; changes to employee compensation and premiums included.
•All personnel requests recorded in the special session were approved.
At its Aug. 12, 2025 meeting, the DeKalb County Commission unanimously adopted the FY2026 County Transportation Plan, approved a FY2025 amendment for CR137, authorized road equipment purchases, approved multiple personnel changes across county departments, and approved use of Opioid funds to buy a portable evidence incinerator.
Discussion Points
•Administrator requested adoption of RPT Grant resolution, COA hire, and accepted Payroll/HR Manager retirement.
•Engineer requested FY2025 amendment to add CR137 repair and presented FY2026 plan estimated at $1.4M.
•Jail reported resignations and requested hires; training approvals for multiple conferences.
•Routine road maintenance; sinking section on a District 2 road; tower access at Cartersville completed; storm shelter parking lot paved.
•Sheriff requested personnel transfers/hire and use of Opioid funds to purchase portable incinerator.
The DeKalb County Commission met July 8, 2025, approving several routine personnel and procurement items, including a skid steer purchase for road cleanup, a bridge bid award for CR159, a corrections officer hire, and authorizing the EMA director to sign mutual aid agreements; staff also updated commissioners on senior programs and outreach.
Discussion Points
•Availability of free tax assistance for seniors in Fort Payne and Mentone.
•Need for authority to enter mutual aid agreements with other agencies.
•Need to fill vacancy caused by resignation of Brian Leger.
DeKalb County Commission regular meeting on June 10, 2025: commissioners approved road and development contracts, personnel changes in the sheriff’s office and jail, a $100,000 ADECA budget revision for storm shelters, a speed-limit resolution for CR-121, and adopted the county’s 2025 back-to-school sales tax holiday.
Discussion Points
•ADECA grant funds for storm shelters were presented by the county administrator.
•County Engineer presented speed recommendations at the sheriff’s office request.
•EMA Director updated the commission on CAD and P25 projects and ARPA fund balances.
•Engineer recommended lowest bidder for CR-483 and bidders for scrap-metal sale.
•Mentone Acres preliminary plat met engineering requirements.
•Road Department reported storm-related washouts and routine maintenance.
•Sheriff’s Office and jail staffing changes were presented by Chief Wright on behalf of Chief Edmondson.
The DeKalb County Commission on May 13, 2025 approved a $2.7 million lease for 12 Mack dump trucks, awarded a CR-20 striping contract, approved multiple personnel actions across departments, accepted bids for surplus freezers and authorized a TARCOG contract to update the 2026–2031 Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Discussion Points
•EMA requested TARCOG contract to update county Hazard Mitigation Plan.
•Engineer presented bids for CR-20 striping and recommended low bidder; freezer surplus bid tabulation presented.
•Personnel resignations, transfers and hires across Road, Jail, Revenue, Maintenance and Administration.
•Road Department operational update (paving progress, mowing, herbicide spraying, durapatchers) presented by Mr. Young.
Decisions
•Adopt equipment lease/purchase resolution with Cadence Bank for 12 Mack dump trucks ($2.7M).
•Approve all personnel hires, transfers and resignations presented.
•Approve preliminary plat for Lingerfelt Subdivision Phase II and issue construction permit.
•Award CR-20 striping contract to J.C. Cheek Contracting ($11,175).
Directions
•Authorize President Harcrow and County Administrator Matt Sharp to sign the Hazard Mitigation Plan agreement with TARCOG.
•Maintenance Supervisor authorized to post temporary position following resignation.
•Proceed with contract award and equipment lease execution per approved motions.
At its April 8, 2025 meeting the DeKalb County Commission unanimously approved a series of routine personnel changes across multiple offices, awarded a bid for an enterprise drone, authorized a TARCOG SHIP contract for the Council on Aging, and accepted two Blake Fire Department board appointments; commissioners also heard a brief presentation on the Challenger Learning Center of NE Alabama.
Discussion Points
•Challenger Learning Center presentation noted regional STEM goals and simulator installation plans.
•Presenters described the Challenger Learning Center's regional STEM outreach and simulator plans.
•Probate judge requested authority to contract for guardianship services for indigent/incompetent residents at an estimated monthly cost.
•Road Department reported chert hauling, bush‑cutting, durapatching, shoulder clipping and road reclaiming on FY25 paving list.
Decisions
•All recorded motions were approved unanimously by five commissioners.
•No formal action or funding decision recorded.
Directions
•Authorize President Harcrow and County Administrator Matt Sharp to execute TARCOG 26‑SHIP‑Dekalb contract.
•Judge Osborn authorized to appoint contracted guardian as requested.
DeKalb County Commission approved amendments to a Valley Joist MOU, awarded multiple road and equipment contracts, approved numerous personnel changes in the sheriff's office and jail, and handled routine business at its March 11, 2025 meeting.
Discussion Points
•Administrator presented financing requests and IT Director requested drone replacement.
•Chief Edmondson reported a resignation and requested conversion of a part-time deputy to full time.
•Chief Wright listed several corrections and medical hires to fill vacancies and requested internal transfers and promotions.
•Commission discussed retaining county vehicles rather than selling.
•Dr. Johnson reported job-placement numbers and requested removal of the job-creation requirement.
•Engineer reviewed bids and unit rates; road crew activity and paving schedule noted by Road Department.
•Amend MOU to remove job-creation requirement; record awaiting signatures.
•Approve the personnel package and process administratively.
•Award Rebuild Alabama contract to Charles E. Watts, Inc.; award roadside herbicide contract to ChemPro Services; reject pickup truck sale; approve Deerfield Phase I preliminary plat.
Directions
•Assign pickup trucks to county departments for internal use.
•Complete lease execution and procurement paperwork.
DeKalb County Commission met Feb. 11, 2025, and unanimously approved a slate of personnel hires, board reappointments, a county road vacation resolution, grant resolutions for rural transit, a municipal garbage-collection agreement, and a resolution opposing fishing restrictions on the Coosa River.
Discussion Points
•Adoption of 2026 Section 5311 rural transit grant application and matching resolutions.
•Adoption of resolution opposing Coosa River fishing tournament restrictions.
•Authorization for municipal residential garbage-collection agreement covering Henagar, Rainsville, Powell and Collinsville; Fort Payne and Crossville excluded.
•Multiple hires, resignations and staffing moves across Sheriff’s Office, Jail, EMA and Animal Adoption.
•Reappointments to DeKalb-Jackson Water Authority and E911 Board.
•Request to vacate abandoned portion of CR-665 at property owner Jason Wilga's request; no objections recorded.
•Road Department status update: chert hauling in Districts 1 and 2; bush-cutting across districts; bridge replacement on CR 281 in District 3.
Decisions
•All recorded motions in the transcript were approved unanimously; the CR-665 vacation, Section 5311 grant resolutions, reappointments, hires, and municipal agreement were adopted/authorized.
Directions
•County Administration to execute the municipal garbage-collection agreement and file the appendix.
•County Clerk to record board reappointments and E911 appointments.
•County Engineer to record the CR-665 vacation resolution and update road records.
•County Transit/Finance to submit the Section 5311 grant application and secure local match.
At its Jan. 14, 2025 regular meeting, the DeKalb County Commission appointed Christopher Runyon as county attorney, adopted the FY2024 Rebuild Alabama road plan, approved several sheriff’s office personnel changes and two drug‑analysis devices paid from opioid settlement funds, adopted the 2025 holiday calendar, and President Ricky Harcrow announced he will not seek re-election in 2026.
Discussion Points
•Commission accepted a single subdivision road into the county system after inspection.
•Engineer presented project list and fund balances; commission approved adoption.
•Har crow introduced Runyon and explained the vacancy caused by McCurdy’s election.
•Har crow summarised his tenure and clarified he was not announcing retirement.
•President Harcrow presented the calendar; commissioners approved unanimously.
•Sheriff outlined personnel needs and described the capabilities and cost of the APEX r7 devices.
