By Maya Quinn, editor
The Greene County Commission met for a work session on Wednesday, September 9th, and for a regular session on Monday, September 14th. The meetings centered around plans for infrastructure improvements, safety plans, and budget planning for the upcoming year.
Registered Municipal Financial Advisor Mac Underwood presented the proposed budget for 2026-2027. At the end of August, the county’s unrestricted funds were as follows: $213, 144.27 at Citizens Bank and $690,792.33 at Merchants and Farmers. Underwood explained that the county’s health insurance rate and workers’ compensation had increased, with health insurance costing $10,700 per employee per year. He also noted in the budget that $265,000 from the racing commission funds was dedicated to highway department projects and vehicle maintenance.
Underwood expressed concerns regarding a lack of communication from the Sheriff’s Department on financial agreements with the commission. Presently, the commission is helping supplement 3 months of income for SROs (student resource officers) for $257,143, with the promise of reimbursement. The Sheriff has not come forth to the commission to discuss the agreement although they have reached out on numerous occasions.
Commissioners have yet to reach a decision regarding an increase on solid waste fees. The current budget outlines that expenses to run solid waste are approximately $600,000 and income is only at $300,000. The commission decided to discuss matters further during a called meeting on Monday, September 21st.
Kathy Gregory and engineer, Dennis Strickland, from the West Alabama Regional Commission attended the meeting with a proposal for a Safety Action Plan. The goal of the plan is to assess Greene County’s road safety data, traffic accidents, and other road hazards to decrease injuries and mortality rates. The key features of the plan include data driven safety analysis, community focus groups, local leadership commitment, and transparency throughout the process. The plan will be conducted in four phases and will give Greene County the eligibility to apply for certain grants on road safety improvement, denoting some roads may also be under ALDOT jurisdiction. The plans will be enacted at no cost to the commission, and they will receive assistance with securing the grants aforementioned. “We can make the roads safer for everybody,” Gregory explained.
The following new business items were approved:
- CIMS, a local government data system, contract for $1000.00 per month
- Travel for Assistant Engineer to travel to Montgomery, AL on October 21-22,2026 for a Bridge Refresh Course
- 2027 Severe Weather Preparedness Holiday, February 26-28, 2027
- Approval of repairs for bridge on County Road 20
- Hazard Mitigation Plan Phase II Resolution
- Moving CD from Robertson Bank to Merchants and Farmers for a better rate; increase from 3.25% to 3.98%
- Board appointment to DHR District 2: Geraldine Walton
- Payment of claims
During public comments, local leaders came forward with requests for the commission. Anita Lewis is working on building a free resource center for Greene Countians to minimize travel and costs. She requested assistance with procuring a building for the center, stating that she would gather funds for its repairs. Greene County Health System CEO Rodgerick Williams came asking for financial assistance with the $100,000 of free care the hospital provides monthly to county citizens. Williams explained that the hospital has been providing services such as drug and alcohol programs to those in need.
The county commission’s next work session is scheduled for October 7th, 2026, at 5:00 pm. The next regular session is scheduled for the following Monday, October 12th, at 5:00 pm in the W.M. Branch Courthouse.
Featured Image: Mac Underwood, financial advisor for the Greene County Commission