Greene County Democrat

Tag: Commissioner Garria Spencer

  • Commission accepts CFO’s resignation effective May 31, 2025

    Commission approves $400 monthly stipend for Water Authority members

    The Greene County Commission met in regular session Monday, March 10, 2025 with all commissioners present except Mr. Tennyson Smith. Following the executive session, the first item of new business was to consider the request from the Greene County Water Authority to authorize a $400 monthly stipend for each member of the Water Authority. This was approved on a 3-1 vote with commissioners Roshanda Summerville, Corey Cockrell and Allen Turner voting yes and Commissioner Garria Spencer voting no.
    This repeated request from the Water Authority has been pursued since the Commission increased the Authority members from three to five in 2024, so each district in the county could be represented. According to Commission Chairperson Spencer, the Water Authority’s request had not been considered by the commission, since no appointed county boards receive stipends. Spencer also noted that stipends cannot be paid from Federal Grants, only from the operating account which is funded by water fees from customers. “It is likely that water bills will be raised due to the cost of these stipends,” Spencer said.
    Vincent Atkins, the Water Authority’s Manager/Operator stated that in 2019 the Water Authority received a $400,000 grant from USDA to construct an office with a storm shelter and for major upgrades to the water system. Atkins explained that due in part to delays with the original contractor, the USDA grant was extended and following legal actions, the Water Authority received a settlement from that contractor.
    According to Atkins, the current contractor has raised the cost of the project by approximately $130,000 due to delays from the Water Authority. “If the Water Authority had processed the contracts and related necessary documents in a timely manner, we would have avoided this increase in cost,” Atkins stated.
    Atkins noted that along with having to pay stipends to members, the Water Authority
    must budget for a monthly debt service of $3,300 on a $900,000 outstanding bank loan related to this project; satisfy an annual $86,000 reserve for maintenance and replacements; create another reserve which must reach $42,000.
    The current members of the Greene County Water Authority are: Chairperson William Morgan, appointed in 2022; Walter Beck appointed in 2021; Andre Woods, Don Woods and Barry Walker appointed in 2024.
    CFO Macaroy has submitted his resignation as Chief Financial Officer for the county, effective May 31, 2025. Underwood noted that he is nearing retirement and will assist the county with this transition.
    “Greene County is my home and it has been an honor to serve my home community as Greene County, Alabama CFO since 2020. I worked most of my professional career in Birmingham, Alabama; but, it’s truly been a pleasure to work for the Greene County Commission for four years. The county is in better financial condition than when I started and I’m a better person after working for Greene County,” said Mac Underwood. Underwood’s resignation was approved.
    The commission approved a request from Iron Wolk LLC to continue consulting with county attorney Mark Parnell relative to securing use of the former Greenetrack property. No additional information was provided on the company’s plan for the property.
    In other business, the commission acted on the following:
    Approved the finance report and payment of bells.
    Approved MSB for bridge on County Road 20 at cost of $883,349, to be paid from Rebuild Alabama Fund.
    Approved travel for Assistant Engineer.
    Approved contract with Cooks Pest Control for the Eutaw Activity Center.
    Authorized Engineer’s office to apply for $400,000 Alabama Forestry (reimbursement) Grant to upgrade roads traveled by heavy trucks.
    CFO Underwood presented the following financial report for February 2025 – claims paid from general fund. Accounts payable totaled $242,993.24; payroll transfer totaled $289,620.36; fiduciary totaled $63,703.78; electronic claims paid totaled $74,089.09. Citizen Trust Bank unrestricted funds totaled $2,149,021.55; restricted funds totaled $5,319,334.98. Merchants & Farmers Bank unrestricted funds totaled $1,354,645.08; restricted funds totaled $2,537,746.71. CD’s and investments totaled $1,898,597.43.

  • Greene County PARA scheduled to reorganize under appropriate State Statue

    The Greene County Commission held a called meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, to discuss the status of Park and Recreation Authority (PARA). According to Commission Chairperson, Corey Cockrell, the Commission recently requested that the PARA Board take on the operation/supervision of the county’s golf course named for the late Dr. Robert Brown. In the course of the research of the official status of PARA, County Attorney Mark Parnell discovered that the Greene County PARA had two sets of Articles of Incorporation filed with the State of Alabama (2007 and 2018) and both were filed under the wrong State Statue. There were also different board members listed with each set of Articles filed.
    Seemingly, the Articles filed in 2018 were an attempt to alter the number of PARA board members. The current PARA Board Chairperson, W. Scott Smith, stated that it was difficult to conduct PARA affairs due to the board not having a quorum present at meetings.
    Attorney Parnell explained that the situation can be remedied. New Articles of Incorporation under the appropriate State Statue can be filed and the number of board members will be determined by the State Statue. “ There are particular steps to follow, including the resignation of current PARA board members and new appointments by the Commission in keeping with State Statue,” Parnell stated. He noted that the current board members may be considered for reappointment. Attorney Parnell indicated that he would prepare the process that must be followed and present the same to the County Commission and the PARA board and staff.
    The Commissioners and PARA personnel were in agreement with this.
    Commissioner Cockrell also stated that the PARA operations would be relocated to the Robert Brown Golf Course. “The county has sufficient property at the golf course site to put up the facilities PARA needs for its operations and activities. There is no need for PARA to be paying rent at other sites,” Cockrell said. He noted that the current facilities at the golf course will be upgraded and expanded. There was not a timeline set for when the move would occur.
    Commissioner Garria Spencer reminded everyone that there are great park facilities throughout the county. He recommended that PARA arrange to utilize these for its outdoor recreational activities.
    The Greene County PARA is supported by a .5 ad valorem millage. According to county records, PARA has received $91,000 since the start of the current fiscal year.

  • Commission approves employee salary supplements as essential workers

    The Greene County Commission met in regular session, Monday, December 11, 2023, with all Commissioners present. The commission unanimously approved Employee Incentive Resolution providing salary supplements for county employees who are designated as essential. The adopted Resolution included the following:

    Greene County employees are essential to everyday operations to provide county service, therefore, County Commission finds and declared the County employees are deserving of a salary supplement to be paid before end of the year as part of their compensation. Essential workers will receive salary supplements as follows: Full-time – $1,200; Part-time – $600; Temporary – $300.

    In other business the commission acted on the following:

    Approved Engineer’s request to purchase one flatbed truck at a cost of $85,000 and one pick-up truck at a cost of $50,000.

    Adopted a Resolution in regards to Discretionary Funds Allocation. Each commissioner is allocated $5,000 in Discretionary Funds to use as they see fit, however, funds must be used by governmental organizations or 501(c)(3) organizations. The commission must approve each allocation.

    Approved request from Black Belt Community Foundation regarding discretionary funds granted to commissioners. Apparently this is the first award from the commission’s Discretionary Funds Allocation, recommended by Commissioner Garria Spencer.

    Approved Assistant Engineer’s travel request to NACE Conference, April 15-18, 2024, in Palm Springs, CA.

    Approved resignation of Mr. Jimmy Hardy from Housing Authority of Greene County.

    Tabled a new  from District 3 appointment to GCHA.

    Approved appointment of Mr. Ronald Edwards to Greene County DHR Board, District 3.

    Adopted a Resolution approving the Flood Plain Development Ordinance.

    Approved extending garbage exemption until January 31, 2024.

    Approved the 2024 Holiday Schedule.

  • Commission approves signage identifying locations of storm shelters

    The Greene County Commission met in regular session, Monday, October 9, 2023, with all commissioners present. The commission acted on the items discussed at the work session held Wednesday, October 4. These included the following:
    * Approved County Highway Department to install storm shelter signage at each storm shelter location. Commissioner Garria Spencer stated that county residents need to know the exact location of their community storm shelter.
    * Approved School Resource Officers contract.
    * Approved annual contract with Digital Information for IT services and hardware maintenance.
    * Approved annual contract with Digital Information for IT services and hardware maintenance for Appraisal Office.
    * Approved annual contract with Harris Local Government for Revenue Commission Office.
    * Approved attendance at Smart Fusion Class in Birmingham, November 2, 2023, for CFO, Administrator, and Accountants Payable personnel.
    * Approved 2024 Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday for February 23-25.
    Approved ABC License for Soul Out Cafe.
    Approved the financial report and payment of bills presented by CFO, Macaroy Underwood.
    Other items discussed at the Oct. 4 work session included the County Engineer’s report relating to options for billing county garbage collection. One proposal is to let bids for an outside company to bill or the county would do billing. Seemingly it is more expensive for an outside company to bill. Currently there are 1,800 garage pick-ups. The Engineer’s office was directed to get proposals and evaluate the best approach. The commission noted that many residents are delinquent in paying their garbage pick-up bills, including some county employees.
    The engineer’s office stated there are exemptions that the county is required to absorb regarding pick-up fees. The county is currently accepting exemption requests.
    Mr. Luther Winn requested an extension regarding Greene County Entertainment’s rental agreement with the county. The commission seemingly will give this some consideration.
    Ms. Bobbie Morgan presented a plea for the commission to repair County Road 125, Boligee, where she resides. She said the road is virtually impassable. Ms. Morgan noted that, since she lives in District 5, she has brought this to Commissioner Roshanda Summerville’s attention on previous occasions, with no results. Summerville then asked the Engineer to accompany her to visit that site on the following day and determine what could be done.
    Ms. Morgan also asked for a storm shelter in Mt. Hebron. “There are many families in mobile homes who need a safe place to go when there are warnings of strong weather conditions,” she said. Commissioner Summerville responded that a storm shelter is scheduled for the SCORE Center on County Road 39.
    Representatives from the University of West Alabama requested that the commission assist in getting broadband surveys completed. This will help in determining the need in the rural areas. The UWA representatives did not have sample surveys with them but will follow-up. Commissioner Spencer suggested that they consult with Ms. Phillis Belcher, CEO with the Industrial Development Authority.
    CFO Macaroy Underwood presented the financial report ending September, 2023. Accounts payable totaled $469,531.87; Payroll transfer totaled $273,817.66; Fiduciary totaled $122,381.49; Total Claims paid totaled $865,731.02. Electronic claims totaled $103,240.65. Bank balances are as follows: Citizen Trust Bank – unrestricted $2,438,866.76; restricted $4,179,277.52. Merchant & Farmers Bank – unrestricted $2, 979,181.57; restricted $1,183,498.60. Bond Funds totaled $889,506.78.

  • Commission extends rental agreement with Greene County Entertainment, Inc.

    The Greene County Commission met in regular session Monday, August 14, 2023. In the absence of the Chairperson, Commissioner Corey Cockrell, the meeting was called to order by Commissioner Garria Spencer, Vice Chairperson. Cockrell arrived when the body was in executive session.
    Prior to the agenda being approved, Commissioner Allen Turner noted that there was nothing on the agenda regarding the rental extension request form Greene County Entertainment Inc. The commission approved amending the agenda to include request from Greene County Entertainment Inc. to adjust the company’s payment plan with the county.
    Following the executive session, the commission approved an extension for Greene Entertainment, Inc. to October 2, 2023.
    In a special session held April 7, 2023, the County Commission approved a four year agreement with Greene County Entertainment Inc. for use of the facilities previously occupied by Greenetrack, Inc. The county holds one half ownership of the said property. The initial agreement called for Greene County Entertainment Inc. to pay the county approximately $260,000 annually, through monthly disbursements of approximately $21,000, beginning in May 2023. The lease agreement also called for an advance payment of one month’s rent.
    Sources indicate that Greene County Entertainment, which opened its doors to the public on May 4, 2023, has not been in a position to remit any rental payments to the county.
    The commission authorized hiring a full time laborer in Solid Waste. The position will be advertised. The commission also approved hiring a General Superintendent at the Highway Department. This selection will be in-house, following appropriate postings of the position.
    Other actions of the commission include the following:
    Approved re-appointment of Reginald Spencer and re-appointment of James Darden to E-911 Board, District 2.
    Approved soliciting annual bids
    Approved 2024 Rebuild America County transportation Plan
    Approved request for engineer to attend annual Alabama Road safety Conference
    Approved long-term detention subsidy contract.
    Approved paying three commissioners difference in air fare and mileage for trip to Austin, TX.
    Tabled consideration of change in Policy and Procedure regarding travel.
    In his financial report, CFO Macaroy Underwood shared the following information. Bank balances as of July 23, 2023 included Citizen Trust Bank – unrestricted $2,500,743.84; restricted $4,617,689.62; Merchants & Farmers Bank – unrestricted $2,903,783.57; restricted, $1,085,256.65; Total Bond Sinking Funds Investment – $886,302.19. Accounts payable totaled $257,615.26. Payroll Transfer totaled $239,308.59. Fiduciary totaled $62,428.23. Electronic claims said totaled $88,252.35.

  • Commissioners approve replacing bridge on County Road 213

    The Greene County Commission met in a call meeting, June 27, 2023 to consider action on an ADEM Waste Water grant application and accompanying resolution to replace timber bridge on County Road 213 over Minter Creek. The total cost of the project is $231,883. The ADEM grant will provide $150,000 (75%) of the cost, with the county providing a cash match of $11,927 and in-kind labor valued at $69.956. County employees will be assigned the tasks needed for the project during the regular work schedules. Commissioner Allen Turner offered the motion to approve implementation of the project as presented, Commissioner Garria Spencer gave the second. The motion was approved.

  • Storms leave Greene County communities powerless for days

    picture (1) Shown are Commissioner Garria Spencer, State Representative Curtis Travis and School Board Member Robert Davis with Knoxville and Jena residents receiving hot meals from food truck vendor. and picture (2) Shown are Commissioners Garria Spencer and Corey Cockrell at food truck vendor giving hot food to Knoxville and Jena residents.residents

    Storms bearing strong winds swept through Greene County Friday, June 16, 2023, downing trees and power lines, leaving many residents without electricity in their homes for up to six days. Residents of the Knoxville and Jena communities were among the many families who suffered great food losses due to the lack of power. On Wednesday, June 21, Commissioner Corey Cockrell partnered with Commissioner Garria Spencer to sponsor a Food Truck Vendor, providing hot food to the residents at no cost to them. On Thursday, June 22, Commissioner Garria Spencer partnered with State Representative Curtis Travis sponsoring another food truck vendor that provided complete meals to local residents at no cost. School board member Robert Davis was on site to assist. At press time, the Democrat learned that on Tuesday, June 27, a food truck from West Alabama Food Bank delivered 144 boxes of grocery, including meats, to distribute to the Knoxville and Jena communities. According to Commissioner Garria Spencer, the food bank will send additional grocery boxes to Union on Friday, June 30. Anyone wishing to assist these communities, please contact District 1 Greene County Commissioner, Garria Spencer at 205-496-0145.

  • Commission fills District 1 vacancies: Marcia Belgrave appointed to IDA; Geraldine Thompson appointed to E911

    Union Town Clerk, Marilyn Sanford, administers Oath of Office to newly appointed Councilperson, Geraldine Thompson, as her granddaughter Imani Thompson holds Bible.

     

    The Greene County Commission held its regular meeting, Monday, June 12, 2023, with all Commissioners present. The Commissioners acted on various items discussed at the monthly work session held the previous Wednesday. In his District 1 report at the work session, Commissioner Garria Spencer stated that the Jena storm shelter was still in progress, but the site, the Jena Fire Department, needed at least 15 loads of dirt. The County’s Attorney commented that since a maximum of three loads is currently authorized, the Commission would have to approve a raised amount accompanied by the appropriate resolution. Other actions taken by the Commission included the following.
    * Approved Sunday Alcohol Sales beginning at noon.
    * Approved appointment of Marcia Bygrave, Ph.D to the Industrial Development Authority for District 1.
    * Approved appointment of Geraldine Thompson to E911 Board for District 1.
    * Approved Federal Bridge Investment program,
    * Approved acquiring a printer for the new system in the Judge of Probate’s office.
    * Approved Insolvent Errors Report for the Revenue Commissioner.
    * Approved resolution to give 15 loads of dirt to Jena Fire Department site.
    * Awarded bid to S.T. Bunn for County Road 100 in the amount of $206,826.30.
    * Awarded bid to S.T. Bunn for Creekhill Road in the amount $237,193.
    * Approved ratifying $1,500 toward grant writer’s cost in participating with ACCA ’s grant seeking opportunities.
    The Commission tabled the request from the Greene County Water Authority, suggesting more conversation at the work session.
    The Commission also tabled renaming a bridge for Mrs. Leona B. Morrow, until further input from the Boligee Community.

     

  • County Commission and Greene Entertainment Inc still working on lease agreement agreement

    The Greene County Commission met in regular session, Monday, March 13, 2023 with all commissioners in attendance.
    Prior to action on the agenda items, Commissioner Garria Spencer moved to amend the agenda, however, his motion failed since there was a motion on the floor to adopt the agenda as presented. Commissioner Tennyson Smith moved and Commissioner Roshanda Summerville seconded. That motion to adopt the agenda as presented passed.
    It was later learned that Commissioner Spencer’s amendment concerned the lease agreement between the county and Greene Entertainment Inc. The County Commission approved the original lease agreement at its February meeting, but the officials of Greene Entertainment Inc had concerns with a component of the agreement and had not signed the document. The commission took no further action in this regard at the meeting, however, following adjournment, seemingly, informal discussions continued.
    The commission acted on the following agenda items:
    * Approved replacing the roof at the public library.
    * Approved advertising for a clerk for the Probate Judge’s office.
    * Tabled the appointment to the IDA Board for District 1.
    * Approved allowing the engineer to sell three dump trucks.
    * Approved travel for the engineer and assistant engineer for class in Alexander City.
    Approved amending the contract for closure of the landfill to include bonding for the contractor not to exceed $20,000, authorizing necessary signatures. The amendment also indicated the removal of taxes not applicable to the county, generating a saving of approximately $17,000.
    CFO Macaroy Underwood presented the financial report indicating the following bank balances as of February 23, 2023. Citizen Trust Bank – 5,448,624.44 of which $3,385,804.55 is restricted; Merchants & Farmers Bank – $6,513,733.82 of which $3,127,929.27 is restricted; Bond Funds Investment – $877,979.73; Accounts payable including payroll transfer and fiduciary – $651,795.36; Electronic claims paid – $84,708.23. Underwood reported that in the General Fund Budget Recap, 66% of funds remained.
    The commission approved the finance report, then realized that the payment of claims was not listed on the agenda.  County Attorney Mark Parnell advised the commission to reconsider action on the finance report. A new motion was offered to accept the finance report including payment of claims. The motion carried.