By Dale Barnett
Elmore/Autauga News
The Elmore County Commission held their first monthly meeting of May on Monday, May 9, 2022 at 6pm at the historic old Elmore Courthouse.
Commissioner Chairman Troy Stubbs (D3) called in the meeting into session with Commissioners Henry Hines (D1), Mack Daugherty (D2), Bart Mercer (D4) and Desirae Jackson (5) all present, along with Richie Beyer, County COO and several other County department heads present.
Troy Stubbs started the work session with a discussion of a resolution to honor a special citizen and retiring County employee, Assistant Attorney General Yvonne Saxon. Stubbs stated that Ms. Saxon was remarkable person that has provided so much to our County and State. Stubbs also said, “her leadership and example in our community is a beacon of light for all of us.” Each of the Commissioners had kind words and appreciation for Ms. Saxon and Mercer pointed that most resolutions are one page, but her resolution was a two-page resolution due to all her accolades and accomplishments. The resolution did pass, and Ms. Saxon was awarded the resolution.
Stubbs brought up reappointing Commissioner Mercer as the Elmore County representative to the 2022-2023 ACCA Legislative Committee, which is a vital position to help keep the Commission informed on state legislative matters that affect the county. Commissioner Jackson talked about the great job Mercer has done in the position in the past. Mercer was approved for the position.
Next on the agenda, Commissioner Stubbs discussed the resolution to authorize the issuance of $34,350,000 from the County’s General Obligation Warrants, series 2022 to be used for the purpose of financing specific capital improvements within the county. COO Beyer mentioned the funds from the warrants were to be used for the radio systems and several quality-of-life projects in the county. The projects include several improvements in partnership with Millbrook and Wetumpka. The resolution was approved.
Stubbs discussed authorizing the County COO Richie Beyer to execute a three-year telecommunications contract with Windstream for the Elmore County Health Department facility. COO Beyer mentioned that Windstream was fixing several issues with that system. The contract was approved.
The next item on the agenda Stubbs brought forward was the consideration of awarding a bid inquiry for 2022-18 Nyloplast Drain Basin to the lowest responsible bidder. Beyer said due to the amount of work ongoing by county crews that it was hard to cover all the current projects and that the county has used outside contractors in the past for similar projects. This was approved.
Commissioner Hines took time to thank all the volunteers for helping with the County clean up day and discussed the success the County experienced including the large amounts of trash taken out of Lake Jordan and Lake Martin.
Commissioner Daughtery took time to thank all the police, fire departments, EMTs and people in the communities as there have been three tragic deaths in the past week with a person drowning at the lake and two babies drowning, one in a pool and the other in a pond in the Eclectic area. With all the emergency responders having to handle these tragedies and still be professionals, we should keep them in our prayers.
Commissioner Mercer discussed that there would be meeting with reporters from across the country next week to discuss and highlight the various lake and river systems in the county for fishing opportunities for tournaments. This will help show off the county to sportsman across the country. All the Commissioners are invited to attend on each day the group is in each district and the goal is to increase the county’s exposure for hosting more tournaments or just bringing the sportsmen looking to fish.
Commissioner Jackson discussed that she would be hosting Q&A sessions each quarter in different locations in her district for the citizens to attend to ask questions and provide input for betterment of the district and county.
Stubbs mentioned that the County continues to see an increase in new residents. Stubbs said that realtors are telling him that people are stating they are moving to the county because of all the improvements and many activities and social programs for citizens from sports to water events such as boating. Stubbs said this says a lot about our county and the job the commission is doing on behalf of the citizens.
