The Greene County Commission held its regular monthly meeting, Monday, April 14, 2025, with all commissioners in attendance. The preliminary items approved included the agenda, previous minutes, financial reports and payment of claims.
As indicated on the agenda, the Commission was again asked to consider a proposal from FIRSTBIOMETRICS requesting “Timely Access, Security and Lease Negotiation relative to the former Greenetrack facility.” Charlie J. Gomez of Iron Wolf LLC presented the request indicating the following: “As previously noted, the building has suffered from extensive vandalism and what appears to be deliberate sabotage, including damage to the rooftop HVAC systems, electrical transformers, and power infrastructure leading from the grid. These issues have compromised the facility’s safety and functionality, necessitating urgent action.”
Iron Wolf LlC is specifically asking the Commission’s support and approval for the following:
* Full access to the Greenetrack facility for Iron Wolf LLC and its licensed contractors.
* Authorization to change all exterior locks for security purposes.
* Installation of a temporary power pole and deployment of security cameras to monitor site.
Permission to begin restoration of power via generators and repair of the electrical structure.
Although the Commission has made no commitment for use of the Greenetrack facility once such repairs and improvements are made, Iron Wolf LLC also stated that it will absorb all expenses for repairs and upgrades indicated in its proposal and that these costs be “…acknowledged and considered as part of our ongoing lease negotiations.” The proposal also states that Iron Wolf LLC is interested in securing a long-term lease agreement and a potential purchase agreement with the Commission.
County Attorney Mark Parnell advised the Commission that specific information has been requested from FIRSTBIOMETRICS and Iron Wolf LLC to which they have not responded.
The Commission tabled the agreement request.
Although the County now owns all the property of the former Greenetrack facility, the Alabama State Department of Revenue still has a lien for taxes it deems unpaid.
In a 2022 case, the State of Alabama won a court victory allowing them to collect over $76 million in unpaid taxes and interest from Greenetrack, Inc., a for-profit casino and racetrack in Greene County, Alabama. The case, Alabama Department of Revenue v. Greenetrack, Inc., involved Greenetrack claiming their bingo business was tax-exempt under a statute related to their dog racing license, which was upheld by the Alabama Tax Tribunal and Greene Circuit Court. However, the Alabama Department of Revenue appealed, leading to the court’s decision allowing the state to collect the owed taxes.
In other considerations the Commission acted on the following:
* Approved the resignation of Mr. Morgan Sellers from the Foster/Ralph Water Authority and appointed Mr. Guy Pearce, Jr. to assume the position.
* Approved Ms. Marsha Grant as Appraisal Department Clerk.
Approved purchasing full page graduation ad in Greene County Democrat newspaper.
Approved resolution and lighting of candle celebrating the 250th Anniversary of Paul Revere’s Ride.
* Approved travel for Assistant Engineer.
* Tabled resolution for PARA (Park And Recreation Authority).
At the commission’s work session held Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Attorney Parnell informed the Commission that PARA had two sets of incorporation documents and both were filed under the wrong State Statues. Parnell indicated that he had forwarded materials and the necessary process for PARA to file new incorporation papers.
Tag: County Attorney Mark Parnell
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County Commission and Greene County Entertainment Inc. finalize rental agreement
The Greene County Commission met in a special session on Friday, April 7, 2023 to act on the revised rental agreement between the county and the newly formed Greene County Entertainment Inc. The commissioners present gave unanimous approval to the four year agreement with Greene County Entertainment Inc. for use of the facilities previously occupied by Greenetrack, Inc. The agreement calls for Greene County Entertainment Inc. to pay the county approximately $260,000 annually, through monthly disbursements. Prior to the final action on the agreement, Commission Chairperson, Corey Cockrell, requested that the lease agreement call for an initial advance payment of one month. Both entities accepted the adjustment.
At this special session, the County Commission also acted to terminate the lease agreement with Greenetrack, Inc., however, it was noted that, this does not affect any outstanding payments due the county by Greenetrack, Inc.
The Greene County Commission held its regular monthly meeting, Monday, April 11, 2023 with all commissioners in attendance. The business meeting opened with an executive session certified for discussion of pending litigation and safety issues.
In addressing the items under new business, the commission acted on the following:
Approved resolutions regarding use of the William M. Branch Courthouse. In recent years, the commission had denied a local organization use of the facility, seemingly for political reasons. County Attorney Mark Parnell revealed that he had secured an Attorney General’s opinion that the county could allow use of the courthouse by political groups, as long as the courthouse is made available to all on the same basis. Two recent requests had been made for use of the courthouse, not during official hours.
Approved advertising for a clerk for the Revenue Appraisal’s office.
Approved ABC license for Bama Shines (Brewery).
Approved ABC license for Forkland One Stop.
Approved July 21-23, 2023 – Back to School Sales Tax Holiday.
Approved several travel dates for training sessions for Assistant County Engineer.
Approved purchasing a full page graduation ad in Democrat newspaper.
Approved financial report and payment of claims.
Tabled IDA appointment for District 1.
The county’s financial report ending March, 2023 indicated the following unrestricted and restricted bank balances: Citizen Trust Bank – unrestricted $3,266,803.15, restricted $5,147,885.31; Merchants & Farmers – unrestricted $3,170,447.63, restricted $1,275,275.38; Bond Funds – unrestricted $876,776.81, restricted $879,937.27.
Claims Paid March 2023, $113,351.16; Payroll Transfer, $276,591.06; Fiduciary, $$66,381.18.
Total – $456,323.40