By Carmen Rodgers
Elmore/Autauga News
The Autauga County Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 17, inside the Commission Chambers.
During the meeting, Commissioners began with a moment of silence for all who have been impacted by last week’s deadly tornado.
Commissioners honored the late Autauga County Sheriff Joe Sedinger, who served the county for 29 years. During his career with the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office, Sedinger served five years as a deputy, two years as a Lieutenant, seven years as a Captain, six years as Chief Deputy, and eight years as the elected Sheriff of Autauga County. Sedinger’s family was present to accept the honor.
The newly sworn in Autauga County Sheriff, Mark Harrell, then addressed the Commission for the resignation of Lieutenant Michael Heath and to hire a replacement. The Commission voted in favor of the measure.
Autauga County Jail Warden Larry Nixon approached the Commissioners for approval to consider accepting the termination of a full-time correctional deputy, and hire a replacement, which was approved. Nixon also discussed the medical contact with the commissioners.
The Reappraisal Chief Mapper, Connie Scott, approached the Commission to approve the agreement between WGI and Autauga County Reappraisal Department. According to Scott, the need is for new aerial photography equipment to aid in the reappraisal process. This equipment would help assess storm damaged areas as well.
“They (WGI) are going to fly us between the first and the middle of February,” Scott said. “That data will be captured and in much closer range.”
In the past, data from aerial photography was captured every five years. However, with the large amount of growth in the area, it is needed now she said.
“With the growth that we’ve had since Covid, interest rates dropping out, and all this development, it really is needed again,” Scott said.
The Commission also heard from Cynthia Jackson, Senior Service Director, regarding the approval to amend Line Item 499 in the amount of $750 thanks to a donation from Alabama Power.
In addition, Jackson approached the Commission to seek the approval to hire a manager for the Billingsley Senior Center. The Commission approved both measures.
The Commission also voted to approve the resignation of the License Clerk and hire a replacement.
Solid waste exemptions for fiscal year 2023 were also brought before the Commission.
“This brings us to 276 (exemptions),” John Paul O’Driscoll, Autauga County Solid Waste Officer, said. “283 applications were submitted for approval.” The Commission voted in favor of the exemptions.
The Autauga County Engineer, John Mark Davis, approached the Commission to seek approval to enter a service agreement with Diversified Computer Services for GPS trackers on county equipment.
“These particular trackers work off multicellular companies. AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile. They use different providers to make sure services are giving accurate data and reliable data. I was thinking about these in all six of our motor graders, and six of our dump trucks, and, probably, the inmate van.”
These trackers would give the location, speed, and identify who is operating county equipment.
Davis also asked the Commission to approve the job description for a mechanic without a CDL, and for approval to hire a Grade 2: Step 4 Laborer.
The Commission approved all three measures.
Before adjourning the meeting, the Commission heard from EMA Director Ernie Baggett.
Bagget explained the progress made following last week’s deadly tornado. The EMA is working closely with FEMA to help everyone who was impacted by the storms. Over 1,100 structures were hit by the tornado in Autauga County. A donation center has been established in the former Russell Plant on Hwy 14 in Wetumpka. Donations can be picked up at the same location, as well a donation center that has been established in the Lightwood Community and in Coosa County. For assistance, call 211 or call 1-800-621-FEMA.
