BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Two new Elmore County Commissioners were sworn into office this morning, as well as three returning Commissioners.
Newly elected District 1 Commissioner is Henry Hines, who was sworn in by Circuit Judge Bill Lewis.
Returning District 2 Commissioner Mack Daugherty was sworn in by District Judge Patrick Pinkston.
Returning District 3 Commissioner Troy Stubbs was sworn in by Judge Pinkston.
Returning District 4 Commissioner Bart Mercer was sworn in by Judge Lewis.
Newly elected District 5 Commissioner Desirae Lewis was sworn in by Judge Lewis, who also happens to be her brother.
Prior to the swearing in, and Commissioners taking their official seats, the meeting was led by Richie Beyer, Chief Operations Officer for the County. Invocation was led by Circuit Judge Bill Lewis, the Pledge of Allegiance by District Judge Patrick Pinkston and Roll Call by Kimberly Erb, Executive Assistant.
Each returning Commissioner offered comments, welcoming Lewis and Hines to the group, saying they are excited about the future, the growth of Elmore County, and continuing to work together to serve to the best of their ability.
All also spoke of today being Veterans Day, and thanked those who have served to keep America free. Commissioner Daugherty asked those in the audience who had served in military organizations to stand. The crowd gave them a round of applause.
The Commission approved a motion to name Troy Stubbs as Chairman. Stubbs then appointed Mack Daugherty as Vice Chairman keeping both in the positions they held in the previous Commission.
Commissioner Mercer spoke of the recent storm and damage to the area. He said that in a 36-hour period from the start of the storm, there were 200 calls for service, over and above normal calls. He praised the work of first responders, the Elmore Emergency Management Agency and county employees for their hard work through the storm.
New Commissioner Hines thanked his family for his support during the election. He said that after he retired, his wife told him to “get a job.” That drew a laugh from the crowd. However, he said he could not think of a better job than to serve the citizens of Elmore County.
He said that he has felt very welcome by his fellow Commissioners, and is very excited about the future.
New Commissioner Desirae Lewis said she liked that she was being sworn in on Veterans Day. “My Dad was in the Army, and I feel he is with us here today.” She thanked her family for their support, and the faith from voters in District 5. “I am so excited and honored to serve,” Lewis said. She said she will work hard to unify her district in a time when Elmore County is seeing huge growth.
Chairman Stubbs thanked all Veterans who have served or are serving, and his fellow commissioners for their service to the county.
He said that all decisions by the Commission are based on five pillars, which include: Economic Vitality, Education, Infrastructure, Health Care and Public Safety.
During their term, individual Commissioners were assigned areas in which they will specialize, determined by their life experience.
Economic Vitality – Commissioner Mercer.
Education – Commissioner Stubbs.
Infrastructure – Commissioner Hines.
Health Care – Commissioner Lewis.
Public Safety – Commissioner Daugherty.
After the ceremony, it was straight to work for the new commission, who reviewed minutes from the Oct. 26 meeting, and memorandum of Warrants.
Notice was given of a public hearing that is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 23, 2020 at 5 p.m. for a 011-Lounge Retail Liquor Class II (Package) Alcohol License application by SAI Path, Inc. for Lions Pride Spirit and Wine at 17049 US Highway 231 in Titus.
Three appointments will be made on Nov. 23 to the Elmore County EMS Board. Currently there are four candidates including Lois Pribulick, Steve Dennis, Eric Jones and Christopher B. Colley.
One appointment will be made Nov. 23, 2020 to the Elmore County Department of Human Resources Board. The only candidate thus far is Laura Peters.
Under new business, the Commission reaffirmed the remainder of FY 2021 dates as well as the Holiday Schedule for the same time period. They also approved a license agreement for use of the Courthouse grounds (Courtroom) for Wetumpka Youth League.
Under personnel notifications, the Commission approved new hires including:
Elijah Ammons, Corrections Officer; GloryAnne Bush as Dispatcher Tier 1; and Demetrius Hooks, Deputy.
They acknowledged the retirement of Joseph Black, Sheriff’s Office Captain who served many years at the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office. Commissioners thanked Captain Black for his dedication and wished him well in retirement.
Commissioners also approved the promotion of April Ballard, Dispatcher Tier II to Dispatch Supervisor.
The crowd was reminded of upcoming important dates which include:
Friday, Nov. 20, 2020 – New Commission Orientation at the Marriott Prattville.
Monday, Nov. 23, 2020 – Commission Work Session at 5 p.m. with the Busines Meeting immediately following.
Wednesday, Nov. 25-Friday, Nov. 27, 2020 -Courthouse will be closed at Noon on Wednesday and will remain closed Thursday and Friday in observance of Thanksgiving.
Monday, Dec. 14, 2020 – Employee Christmas Breakfast from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Administrative Complex.
Monday, Dec. 14, 2020 – Commission Work Session at 5 p.m. with the Business Meeting immediately following.
Thursday, Dec. 24-Friday, Dec. 25, 2020 – Courthouse closed in observance of Christmas.
