By Hamilton Richardson
Elmore/Autauga News
The Autauga County Commission met Tuesday to tackle county priorities, make important decisions and to hear from its constituents, one of which publicly challenged commissioners on their use of federal funds.
After the approval of the March 1, 2022 minutes, the commission approved its invoices received through March 15, 2022 and authorized Treasurer and Administrator Scott Kramer to issue warrants for payment thereof.
Commissioners quickly approved the consent docket and then, with Autauga County Sheriff Joe Sedinger present, approved the hiring of Tabitha Thomas as Desk Clerk, Grade 4: Step 1, pending drug test and background check.
Next up was the approval of the resignation, with Jail Warden Larry Nixon present, of Jonathan Baldwin, full-time Jailer, effective 3/4/2022. The hiring of replacement was also accepted. Another resignation on the agenda to consider was of Virgil L. Pratt, part-time Real Property Appraiser, which was effective on 2/14/2022. This was also approved.
Rose Thomas-Williams, Rural Transportation Director, stood before the commission next to seek approval to amend the following line item due to a check received on 2/28/2022 from ACCA Insurance: 001-47905 $4,679.23 to 001-56900-234 (vehicle repair) 2016 Ford Econoline Van. Also for approval were FY2022 certifications and assurances for FTA assistance programs. Each of these items were approved.
The last line item on the night’s agenda was the approval of the following budget line transfers: $750.00 from 001-52610-399 (cap pur under 5k) to 234 (vehicle repair) and $316.00 from 399 to 499 (misc. other exp). Each of these was also given the thumbs up.
Finally, before Commissioners went into Executive Session, a resident of District 5 (Larry Stoudemire’s district) addressed the members.
“My main concern is the American Rescue Plan funds,” said Jackie Speigner. “Has there been a public hearing?”
Chairman Jay Thompson (District 4) responded by saying he was not sure there needed to be a public hearing.
Speigner asked the commission members where the money went from the federal funds.
“It was supposed to be sent to hard hit areas by Covid,” she said, adding that she has contacted the Governor’s office and her state representatives about the issue.
“There’s a lot of stipulations on federal money,” said Thompson.
Speigner addressed Scott Kramer about the money and asked several questions about grants. She also asked similar questions to Stoudemire.
Both Thompson and Kramer brought up improvements being done at the R.H. Kirkpatrick Agricultural Pavilion and said that project was the only one that has been currently approved for use of the federal funds.
“You all got to do better,” Speigner said. “We believe in you. That’s why we elected you. You cannot continue to leave out District 5.”
Three to four other residents who were in attendance spoke audibly in support of Speigner during her comments.
After the comments made by Speigner, the members went into Executive Session for approximately 15 minutes and then returned and adjourned the meeting.
