By: DEAN MADDOX
The Fayette County Commission held its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at the Fayette County Courthouse Annex building. Commissioner Wesley Jacobs and Commissioner Brad Cox were not present at the meeting. Also absent was Commission Chairman Mike Freeman.
The meeting was opened with prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner David Hubbert, who serves as vice-chairman for the commission, presided over the meeting during the absence of the commission chairman.
The agenda for the meeting and the minutes of the previous meeting were approved by the commission.
Invoice claims since the April 28 meeting were approved by the commission. The claims were as follows: General Fund – $41,611.21; Road and Bridge Fund – $1,422.08; Health Tax Fund – $2,941.25; Reappraisal Fund – $342.55; Road Construction Fund – $51,343.14; Rebuild Alabama Gas Tax Fund – 40,391.33; Excess from Land Sales Fund – $323.45; Motor Vehicle Special Fund – $2,340.11; and Fayette County Water Authority – $17,667.02; equaling a grand total of $158,382.14.
Hubbert introduced a proclamation from the commission recognizing May as “Mental Health Month” in Fayette County. He also emphasized the valuable work that local mental health workers do daily within the county.
Commissioner Shane Hughes made a motion to adopt the proclamation declaring May as Mental Health Month in Fayette County, and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Valerie Branyon. The motion was approved unanimously.
County Engineer Ben Snipes gave an update to the commissioners about work that has recently been completed on roads within the county.
He said they have completed all of the repaving projects and currently have 24 bridges scheduled for inspection. He added that the state has not yet sent a bridge inspection team to the closed Dodson Crossing Bridge site, and that he may also have them inspect the Jones Bridge on County Road 95 since it is a similar type of bridge.
Hubbert asked Snipes about applying for forestry grants that can help reinforce bridges that are currently load-limited within the county. Snipes said he will check to see if the grants are available this year and will follow-up on the process to apply for the grants if they are available.
It was mentioned that the county might hire some temporary summer help to assist the road crew this year.
Due to the commission’s next meeting date, Monday, May 25, being Memorial Day, the commission agreed to forego its second scheduled meeting in May. The next meeting of the Fayette County Commission will be Monday, June 8 at 6 p.m. at the Fayette County Courthouse Annex.