By Maya Quinn, Managing Editor

On Monday, July 13th, the county commission met for a regular session to discuss contracts, repairs, and their continued support of Greene County’s EMS. All county commissioners were present to discuss new minutes and approve the minutes of the previous session. All financial reports and claim payments were also approved.

The county commission is not solely responsible for funding EMS, but they have surely done their due diligence in the absence of towns that have not offered the much-needed support (except Union). Chairman Garria Spencer wanted to report the assistance for the ambulance service received from government officials such as Kay Ivey and Terri Sewell. EMS board members and the county commission have been tirelessly calling representatives and doing whatever they can to undo the wrongs of the previous EMS board members. Their efforts convinced representatives to secure a new ambulance for the county to lease to the EMS, free of charge. 

While a new ambulance was secured, the county commission still discussed the need to contribute funds to the EMS. Chairman Spencer proposed that the county’s Bingo Fund could support the EMS if funds were allocated to it. He also reminded commissioners and those present that the commission has been supporting the sheriff department’s payroll as well. As the loaned funds have not been paid back to the commission as agreed, the agreement will be terminated. Spencer urges citizens to review the state audit for the sheriff’s department and join him in ensuring Bingo Fund proceeds support the county’s public resources.

During public comments, citizens raised concerns regarding the pollutants from gravel roads. Gravel roads can cause sedimentation in waterways and create airborne dust that settles onto structures and vehicles. A citizen from Forkland, in particular, wanted to acknowledge respiratory issues caused by inhaling road dust. Chairman Spencer expressed that he will consult the engineering and highway departments on the best course of action. He assures they will come up with a solution.

The following agenda items were approved at the meeting:

1. Contract with M&H Contractors for $8,500.00 for roof replacement of the Golf Course Building
2. Leasing of a new ambulance to the Greene County Ambulance Service
3. Ratifying a $8000.00 contribution to the Greene County Ambulance Service; Turner opposed
4. 2026-2027 BCBC Contract
5. ABC License for Boligee Truck Stop
6. Sprinkler repair at the jail for $8000.00
7. Turning Ct Rd 78 into a gravel road
8. Issuance of notice to terminate the Budget Supplement Agreement for the Sheriff Department and pursue any necessary collection efforts
9. Providing $50,000.00 to the IDA board for matching funds for the improvement of the industrial park
10. Repairs and replacement of tablets for the Probate Judge for approximately $4,500.00
11. Retiree bonus for $12,019.00
12. Payment to Thompson Engineering for $27,500.00 for services rendered for Water Park Development
13. Payment of $10,000.00 to WMA for Project Administration

Featured Image: Greene County EMS and county commissioners in front of the new ambulance vehicle (Greene County Commission)