Cleburne County, AL Court HousePhoto byCleburne Co

The Cleburne County Commission convened at the Cleburne County Mountain Center on May 20, 2024, for its regular monthly meeting. All members were present, ensuring a quorum for the session.

Roll Call:

• Chairman Ryan Robertson
• Commissioner Laura Cobb
• Commissioner Terry Hendrix
• Commissioner Roger Hill
• Commissioner Emmett Owen

Citizen and Official Comments

Sheriff Jon Daniel requested the addition of a resolution to surplus a 2023 Ford Interceptor to the agenda. The motion to add this item was made by Commissioner Terry Hendrix and seconded by Commissioner Laura Cobb.

County Engineer Lee Estes asked for a resolution to utilize funds from the Rebuild AL Act Annual Grant Program. This addition to the agenda was motioned by Commissioner Laura Cobb and seconded by Commissioner Emmett Owen.

Coroner Adam Downs reported an average call volume of five calls per month and mentioned that his new vehicle is performing well.

Economic Developer Tammy Perry provided updates on events, projects, and incoming businesses in the county. The next Heflin Industrial Development Board meeting is scheduled for June 6th at 1:00 PM.

Consent Agenda

The May 2024 Consent Agenda (Resolution #5450 1-5) was approved unanimously with motions made by Commissioner Terry Hendrix and seconded by Commissioner Laura Cobb. The resolutions included:

• Resolution #5450-1: Approval of the minutes from April 15, 2024.
• Resolution #5450-2: Announcement of a vacancy on the Hospital Board for District 4 with no new appointments.
• Resolution #5450-3: Authorization to surplus a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe due to it being inoperable.
• Resolution #5450-4: Approval of amendments to the County Transportation Plan under the Rebuild Alabama Act.
• Resolution #5450-5: Ratification of the Chairman’s actions in signing documents related to the AmerisourceBergen/Cardinal Health Opioid Litigation Settlement.

New Business

• Step-Raises (Resolution #5451): Initially motioned to be tabled by Commissioner Laura Cobb and seconded by Commissioner Emmett Owen. After further discussion, the resolution passed unanimously. The step-raise will be performance-based and effective from October 1, 2024.
• Employee Handbook (Resolution #5452): A motion to table was made by Commissioner Terry Hendrix and seconded by Commissioner Roger Hill. The County Attorney, Jason Odom, was tasked with amending the Employee Handbook to include the new step-raise policy.
• Temporary Organizational Chart Change (Resolution #5453): Motioned by Commissioner Emmett Owen and seconded by Commissioner Laura Cobb. The resolution allowed for the temporary hiring of an uncertified deputy due to staffing adjustments within the Sheriff’s Department.
• Sheriff Surplus Vehicle (Resolution #5454): Motioned by Commissioner Emmett Owen and seconded by Commissioner Laura Cobb. The resolution authorized the surplus of a 2023 Ford Interceptor involved in a collision.
• Rebuild AL Funds (Resolution #5455): Motioned by Commissioner Laura Cobb and seconded by Commissioner Emmett Owen. The Commission approved the acceptance of $331,500 in Rebuild Alabama Funds with a local match commitment of $81,500 to resurface County Road 66.

Reports from Staff

• County Administrator Lisa Copeland: Announced the selection of a new Chief Finance Officer starting June 10th, discussed potential changes in fiber internet providers due to price increases, and provided updates on various funding and project completions.
• County Engineer Lee Estes: Reported on the lack of candidates for the Transportation Supervisor position and future discussions regarding the continuation of the Section 5311 program.
• County Attorney Jason Odom: Thanked the Commission for allowing his absence to attend a City/County class and for their continued support in his educational pursuits.

Chairman and Commission Discussion

Commissioner Terry Hendrix mentioned a request from the Ranburne Mayor to amend the inmate housing contract to align with Heflin’s contract, to be discussed in the next meeting. Commissioner Emmett Owen discussed the COOP for Cleburne County.

Executive Session

The Commission entered into an Executive Session following a motion by Commissioner Terry Hendrix, seconded by Commissioner Laura Cobb, and passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned after the Executive Session, with all scheduled business addressed and resolutions passed. The next regular meeting will be held on June 17, 2024.

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