Greene County Democrat

Tag: Chairperson Garria Spencer

  • Commission approves proposal seeking funds to complete sidewalk improvements at Courthouse Square

    Monday, May 12, 2025, the meeting of the Commission was called to order at 5:00 P.M. All commissioners were present. The Commissioners heard and voted on four proposals presented by Ms. Brenda Burke, County Administrator. She offered four issues on the agenda, for approval by the Commission, which were all passed unanimously.

    Commissioner Corey Cockrell welcomed the attendees at the meeting, Commissioner Allen Turner led the Invocation, and Commissioner Tennyson Smith led the motion to approve the previous minutes. Commissioners Roshanda Summerville and Smith led the motion to approve the agenda.

    The items considered and passed with unanimous vote included the following: (1) approval to the City of Eutaw’s use of six voting machines for an upcoming election; (2) allowing the Greene County Industrial Development Board (GCIDB) to complete the Streetscape Grant (sidewalks around the Old Court House) grant proposal to ALDOT; (3) An extension of one month for county employees with excess vacation time to utilize their benefits; (4) approval of a Beer License at a Truck Stop in Boligee that is located on the interstate.

    Chairperson Garria Spencer insisted that the six voting machines borrowed by the City of Eutaw be maintained and serviced by ES&S, the same company the county contracts with to assure security by transferring the voting machines.

    The Commission approved the Finance Report and Payment of Claims presented by Ms. Burke and carefully reviewed the Greene County Commission’s bank statement balances, when considering the four agenda items.

    The total funds on the statement are (Unrestricted) $3,224,610.52; (Restricted) $7,821,646.63; and (Investments) $1,899,505.22.

    With the votes on the agenda closed, Mr. John Cashin was recognized. He inquired about the possibility of the Commission joining with other entities, including the City of Eutaw, to resurface the airport runway. He explained his research on the possibility of matching funds and asked for clarification of the process to move forward. Chairman Spencer said he’d take it up with the Eutaw City Council and county engineers and return an answer to Mr. Cashin.

    The meeting was adjourned on a motion of Commissioner Summerville.

  • Commission agrees to lease former Greenetrack facility to First Biometrics

    The Greene County Commission met in a called session, Thursday, May 1, 2025 with all Commissioners present. The two items on the presented agenda, relative to access to the former Greenetrack facility, included consideration of a lease between the Greene County Commission and First Biometrics and consideration of a lease between the Commission and Tim Anderson. Chairperson Garria Spencer noted that the Commission had not received a proposal from Tim Anderson, thus the agenda was adopted omitting the latter item.
    Commissioner Allen Turner, Jr. suggested going into an executive session, however, Chairman Spencer proposed that the body just vote on the sole item on the agenda. On a three-two vote, with Commissioners Allen Turner, Corey Cockrell and Roshanda Summerville voting yes, the Commission approved entering into a lease with First Biometrics which will allow them access to the former Greenetrack facility for restorations, renovations and security.
    In previous Commission meetings, Charlie Gomez of Iron Wolf LLC based in Huntsville, AL, advanced the proposal from First Biometrics which included language indicating a lease agreement would be presented asking the Commission to consider the financial investment for facility improvements made by First Biometrics. Commission Attorney Mark Parnell will prepare the lease agreement.
    It was noted that if bingo is brought back by the lessee to the renovated facility, Greene County Sheriff Jonathan Benison would have to issue the appropriate license to a charity operating the bingo gaming. First Biometrics indicated they would be considering gaming and a variety of entertainments.