The Greene County Democrat

Tag: Greene County Commission

  • Commissioners discuss solid waste management fees and SRO agreement

    Commissioners discuss solid waste management fees and SRO agreement

    By Maya Quinn, editor

    The County Commission met in a called meeting on Monday, September 21st, to further discuss budget items for the upcoming year, namely solid waste management and school resource officers.

    The solid waste department is currently operating at a deficit and aims to become self-sufficient. Assistant Engineer Calvin Culliver has been working tirelessly to balance the department’s budget so that they are self sufficient. After reviewing the rates of surrounding counties, the department has concluded that raising the rates is necessary to continue operations. Culliver discussed the improved budgets with an eventual rate of $29.00 per month, but asked for the commission to enforce it in increments. The commissioners voted to raise rates to $25.00 per month starting January 1st. They did not confirm if or when the rate would be increased again.

    The county also approved the School Resource Officer (SRO) Contract with the Greene County School District. The contract ensures SROs will be supplied to the school district to communicate with the principals regarding law enforcement matters. The Sheriff is tasked with assigning six deputy sheriffs to the school district as follows: two SROs at Greene County High School, one SRO at Robert Brown Middle School that is available to float to other schools as needed, one SRO at the Greene County Learning Center, and one SRO at Eutaw Primary School. During the term of this agreement, the District must maintain funding levels to supply base pay, equipment, and fuel as determined by the Sheriff.

    The County Commission’s next work session is scheduled for Wednesday, October 7th at 5:00 pm. Please contact the commissioner’s office to be added to the work session agenda.

    Featured Image: Assistant Engineer Calvin Culliver presenting a solid waste proposal to the count commission

  • County commission discusses budget proposal and hazard mitigation plans

    County commission discusses budget proposal and hazard mitigation plans

    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:

    1. CIMS, a local government data system, contract for $1000.00 per month
    2. Travel for Assistant Engineer to travel to Montgomery, AL on October 21-22,2026 for a Bridge Refresh Course
    3. 2027 Severe Weather Preparedness Holiday, February 26-28, 2027
    4. Approval of repairs for bridge on County Road 20
    5. Hazard Mitigation Plan Phase II Resolution
    6. Moving CD from Robertson Bank to Merchants and Farmers for a better rate; increase from 3.25% to 3.98%
    7. Board appointment to DHR District 2: Geraldine Walton
    8. 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

  • County Commission Financial Report May 2026

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  • County Commission and City of Eutaw enter a cooperative for youth recreation

    County Commission and City of Eutaw enter a cooperative for youth recreation

    by Maya Quinn

    The Greene County Commission met on Monday, May 11th, for its regular session. During the meeting, commissioners discussed plans for continuing to support the Greene County EMS (GCEMS) payroll and engineering plans for a splash pad at The Old Carver School Site. All commissioners were present for the session.

    During commissioner reports, Commissioner Smith of District 2 reported that everything is running well. Commissioner Summerville of District 5 thanked the highway department for their efforts and yielded the floor to hospital CEO Roderick Williams. Williams updated attendees on the progress of the hospital’s community garden and drug detox program. Williams stated that the hospital was able to hand out fresh produce to residents, namely collard greens. The detox program aids in helping citizens regain their footing after being devastated by drugs and/or alcohol abuse.

    Commissioner Johnson thanked staff and the attorney for their tireless efforts. She stated the chairman’s work is an inspiration. Commissioner Spencer detailed his trials of asking other municipalities to invest in GCEMS. Noting that the town of Forkland has definitively denied offering any assistance.

    The CFO report detailed that the county commission currently has $2,685,122.21 in unrestricted funds at Citizens Trust and $749,642.12 at Merchant & Farmers. Although unrestricted, many of the funds have been earmarked for road repairs and other city infrastructure, leaving approximately $145,000 in the general fund that can be allocated for other projects. A full bank statement report will be uploaded to http://www.greenecodemocrat.com

    Mrs. Marilyn Armstead presented a proposal for Eutaw City Hall and the commission to collaborate on renovations at the old Carver School Site. The collaboration would turn the site into a recreational facility with walking trails splash pad. “We’re looking at something that involves the whole family,” Armstead stated. The commission would be responsible for approximately $37,000 in engineering fees, while the city would pay for land, sewage, water, and partial facility. Some concerns were raised regarding the decision to fund this project while the GCEMS is in dire need of financial assistance. “At the end of the day, we need something to keep people here. We need something for the kids to do,” Mayor Cokrell asserted.

    The EMS board representative came to request assistance with payroll. With a bank account balance of $9,908.00, they would still be short about $20,000 for payroll. Questions were raised regarding whether funds from billing had already been used. EMS Director James Robinson explained that they were still awaiting reimbursements as far back as January, so financial intervention from municipalities is imperative. “We want to make this service way better than it has ever been,” Robinson stated.

     

    The approved new business items are as follows:

    1. The  proposal from Mrs. Marilyn Armstead on the recreation site at the Old Carver High School
    2. The contribution of $10,000 for EMS payroll (Commissioner Turner opposed)
    3. Purchase Ad in the Greene County Democrat Graduation Edition – $600.00
    4. Naming a road in District 1 – Lucious Morrow Drive

    The next regular session for the commission is scheduled for June 8th.

  • MEDIA RELEASE: Greene County Commission Reaffirms Substantial Financial Support for GCEMS

    MEDIA RELEASE: Greene County Commission Reaffirms Substantial Financial Support for GCEMS

  • Greene County Commission meets, approves way for the public to support ambulance services

    Greene County Commission meets, approves way for the public to support ambulance services

    The Greene County Commission met on Monday, March 9, 2026, for its regular monthly meeting. Three commissioners were present for the roll call: Garria Spencer, Chair, Tennyson Smith and Allen Turner. The other two commissioners: Latasha Johnson and Roshonda Summerville arrived late and participated in the meeting when they arrived.

    The meeting began with a report from Assistant Engineer Culliver, who asked that the Commission approve a resolution designating Noah’s Way as a county road for repair and maintenance purposes. The road is in District 5, and Commissioner Summerville has been trying for some time to get the road designated as a county road. At the earlier Commission work session, the status of Noah’s Way was discussed. The Commissioners decided to send the official decision to the Commission meeting, where the resolution was adopted.

    Culliver asked the Commission to approve the agreement with ALDOT to pursue the TAP grant to redo the sidewalks on the interior of the Old Courthouse Square, now named for Sheriff Thomas Gilmore. This project will complement the Street Scape project, which was completed last year by the City of Eutaw on the outside perimeter of the Thomas Gilmore Square.

    The TAP grant, which totals over a million dollars with an 80% state grant and 20% matching for engineering and construction, will redo all of the interior sidewalks on the square. This will make it easier for the many people who use this pathway to exercise and stay healthy.


    The third item on the agenda, which dealt with approving a contract for a Water Park Administration and Engineering firm to help design a “splash pad for children,” was tabled.

    The Commission approved travel for the Engineer and Assistant Engineer to attend a training conference on May 5 and 6 at Perdido Beach.

    The next item was added to the agenda at the meeting. Legal Counsel Mark Parnell proposed that the commission could establish an account, under the Commission’s General Fund, where individuals and businesses could contribute to support the ambulance service and have their contribution be tax-deductible, since the Commission and the ambulance service are public corporations – providing a service, not trying to be for-profit. The resolution creating a fund for contributions to the ambulance service was approved.

  • Greene County Commission receives new equipment to patch potholes; holds meetings to approve grant proposals and other matters

    A group of five people standing together in front of a street maintenance truck with a large hopper, featuring branding and equipment. The scene takes place outdoors with power lines in the background.

    Greene County Commissioners displays new pothole patching machine.


    The Greene County Commission met for its regular monthly meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026 at the William M. Branch Courthouse in Eutaw. All Commissioners were present.
    Before the meeting began, the Commissioners looked at a new pothole patching machine that they acquired for the Highway Department at a cost of $325,500. This machine can be operated by one person instead of a crew of people and will save money in patching potholes. The machine will allow for the Department to reach many roads on a more timely basis to deal with potholes.
    At the meeting the Commissioners agreed to submit the 2026 CDBG grant proposal for $500,000 to the State of Alabama for approval and implementation. According to Assistant Engineer, John Isley, the CDBG proposal included road repair to the following roads – Barren Road, Cook Road, County Road 74, County Road 67 and Emerald Lane. The exact amount of road work that can be done will be based on actual cost, availability of 10% matching funds, and other factors.
    The Commission approved a contract for $2,800 to Standard Roofing to repair holes in the roof of the Eutaw Activity Center.
    The Commission approved a request for $5,000 to assist E-911. The Commission agreed to provide E-911 with $5,000 per quarter from the undesignated funds from the Greene County Racing Commission for pari-mutuel gaming at the Palace Entertainment Center in Knoxville, Alabama.
    The Commission approved travel expenses for the Board of Registrars to attend AABOR meeting in Orange Beach on February 26-28, 2026; they also approved travel for two Assistant Engineers to attend training in Tuscaloosa at the AVMS Annual Conference on February 24-25, 2026.
    Altheria Wilder, CFO, gave a financial report on the County’s funds as of January 31, 2026. The County has a total of $12,599,817 in funds in Citizens Trust Bank and Merchants and Farmers Bank. Of these funds: $4,676,849 are unrestricted and $7,922,968 are restricted. There is an additional total of $1 909,209 in Certificates of Deposit and investments. In January 2026, the Commission paid out $3,452,992 for payroll and bills. Another $82,794 was paid in electronic transfers for payroll taxes and retirement. All County agencies are operating close to budget projections for the first four months of the fiscal year and have close to 67% of projected budgets remaining. The Commission approved the financial report.
    At the Commission Work Session on February 4, 2026, the Commission heard a report from Rodgerick Williams, Administrator of the Greene County Health System, which includes the hospital, nursing home and physicians clinic. He said that he has been at the facility for two months and has acquired some new equipment to monitor patient vital signs, a baby warmer and renovated two rooms in the Nursing Home. With help from the County Commission in advancing tax funds has helped stabilize the finances of the Greene County Health System. Williams invited the Commissioners and the public to visit the health care facilities and use them when they are needed.
    District Attorney, Rachel England, for the 17th Judicial Circuit of Greene, Sumter and Marengo counties, came to the Work Session to request $20,000 be included in the county’s budget for a “major crimes unit” for personnel, supplies and trainings to make the unit operational. Commission Chair Garria Spencer asked the District Attorney to put her plan and request in writing for further action by the Commission.
    The Work Session also heard a presentation by Charles Gomez, contractor for revitalizing the Greenetrack facility, which is now owned by the county. Gomez suggested that $2.7 million would be needed for repairs to the facility to make it available for lease by gaming, restaurants and other businesses. The County Commission is scheduled for a site visit to Greenetrack on February 11, 2026 to see what work Gomez has done and what is still needed for the property.

  • Greene County Commission holds meetings to consider repairs to the jail, ambulance service and golf course

    The Greene County Commission has met three times this month, a work session on January 7, a regular meeting on January 12 and a follow-up meeting on January 16 to deal with critical items tabled in the prior meeting. All members of the Commission were present for the three meetings.
    The Commission received a request from Sheriff Benison for repairs to the jail. At the January 16th meeting, the Commission approved spending an estimated $40,000 for repairs from left over COVID funds that are still on hand.
    The Commission considered the status of the Greene County ambulance services at each of the three meetings. The Commission advanced $87,000 to the ambulance service to pay bills, including payrolls, at a special meeting in December 2025. The Commission advanced these funds with the understanding that some portion of the funds would be returned based on contributions from municipalities, agencies and businesses service by the ambulance service
    The Commission also pressed the EMS Board to reorganize and have full representation from all supportive municipalities and agencies interested. The Commission also is examining the finances of the EMS to see what long term support is needed to supplement the fees received from Medicaid, Medicare, insurance companies and users of the service. A meeting of the Greene County EMS Board is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026 , at 5:00 PM in the William M. Branch Courthouse to make further decisions on the future of this vita service.
    After the discussion, a representative of Jamie Gray, State EMS Director, read a letter indicating that the state had selected ASAP Emergency Medical Service to “provide temporary operational oversight of EMS services in Greene County… This arrangement will remain in effect until such time that Greene County can submit formal confirmation and provide a guarantee to the State Office of EMS that continued oversight and operation of EMS can occur without interruption.” Commission Chair Garria Spencer said that the Commission will be working with the County EMS Board to provide these assurances to the state as it works to reorganize the Board and staff of the EMS.
    The Commission approved an agreement that the Department of Parks and Recreation do an assessment over the next six months of upgrading, beautifying and adding to the nine-hole public golf course owned by the County. The study will allow for a plan to improve the golf course area, over time and provide additional park and creational opportunities for residents of Greene County.
    In other business, the Greene County Commission approved:
    • A resolution for installation of doors and hardware, at a cost of $19,000 to the Eutaw Activity Center annex, utilized by the Greene Co. Children’s Policy Council.
    • Several requests from the Greene County Highway Department, including submission of the 2025 County Rebuild Alabama Annual Report; fund annual membership in the ACCA for $1,400; and support training for the staff at a Conference in Huntsville, AL on February 4-5, 2026.
    • Approved appointment of Tamieka King as District 2 representative to the Green Thumb Improvement District Board.
    The Commission also received a December financial report from CFO Altheria Wilder. The report showed that the Greene County Commission had a total of $ 9,330, 992 in bank of which $ 2,591, 261 are unrestricted and $6,739,731 were restricted for specific program purposes. The report indicated that the Commission had paid $2,011,740 in claims and bills, including payroll, for December2025. An additional $82,794 was paid in electronic claims mostly for payroll taxes and retirement fees.

  • Commission approves CD investments with Merchants & Farmers Bank

    County Commission and School Board to determine status of ad valorem tax for schools

    The Greene County Commission met in regular session, Tuesday, October 14, 2025 with all Commissioners present. The October meeting was scheduled for the second Tuesday, since the second Monday was National Indigenous Peoples Day, a holiday observed by Greene County.
    At the Commission’s work session, held Wednesday, October 8, Ms. Marquita Lennon, CSFO of the Greene County Board of Education, presented a request for renewal of an ad valorem tax for the school system. Ms. Lennon indicated that the milage tax would expire in 2026 and the procedure for renewal required action from the county. This was an agenda item for the October 14 meeting, at which time Attorney Mark Parnell stated that according to his research, the milage tax was not scheduled to expire in 2026 because it was attached to a bond. Commission Chairperson, Garria Spencer, recommended that the Attorneys for the county and the school board communicate and bring clarity to the issue by the next commission meeting.
    The Commission approved a recommendation by Ms. Altheria Wilder, CFO for Greene County Commission, that CD investments, currently at Pinnacle Bank in Birmingham and scheduled to expire, be transferred to Merchants & Farmers Bank for better interest rates. She noted that Pinnacle offered 3.5 interest rate; Merchant &b Farmers offered seven month CD investment at 4.5 and 13 month CD investment at 4.25. The total CD investments approximately $625,000.
    In other business the Commission acted on the following items.
    * Approved hiring grant writer, Marilyn Culliver. Attorney Parnell will prepare contract.
    * Approved painting the Activity Center.
    * Advised staff to follow-up on replacing doors and glass at Activity Center.
    Approved the School Resource Officers contract.
    Approved the Supplement Agreement with Sheriff Benison, regarding the sheriff’s payment to the county for additional employees in his department.
    Approved the SSUT Resolution – Alabama Simplified Users Tax.
    The Commission approved various board appointments and re-appointments.
    Commissioner Corey Cockrell recommended the following persons from District 3:
    Ms. Shirley Edwards re-appointed to the Hospital Board; Ms. Kimberly Tyree appointed to the Greenthumb Board; Ms. DeCharo Rice appointed to the PARA Board; Ms. Vivian Carpenter appointed to the DHR Board.
    At Commissioner Tennyson Smith’s request, the Greenthumb board position for District 2 was tabled, as well as Commissioner Roshanda Summerville’s DHR board position for District 5.
    At the request of Commissioner Smith, Ms. Geraldine Walton was appointed to the Greene County Mental Health Board.
    The financial snapshot for the period ending September 30, 2025: General fund claims paid totaled $861,905.62; Payroll Transfer total $299,112.48; Fiduciary totaled $38,079.45. Electronic Claims paid August 2025 totaled $94,482.87. Citizen Trust Bank unrestricted funds totaled $1,098,587.31; restricted funds totaled $4,485,946.84. Merchant & Farmers Bank unrestricted funds totaled $2,015,221.86; restricted funds totaled $2,799,038.82. CD investments totaled $1,901.457.80.
    In the Public Comment session of the meeting, Mr. Michael Williams, former Greene County Commissioner, gave an emotional reaction to the current State Audit of the Greene County Sheriff’s operations. Williams emphasized that the nearly $5 million the State Examiners of Public Accounts reported has no documentation and must be refunded by Sheriff Benison could have been used to support local services such as the hospital, school system, fire departments, emergency services and others. He asked Greene County residents to sign a petition which will be sent to the Alabama Attorney General’s office for legal action.
    Commission Chair Spencer and Attorney Parnell emphasized that the recent State Audit Report involves only Sheriff Benison’s operations; the audit has nothing to do with the County Commission’s operations.

  • Newswire : Commission appoints 3 of 5 members of Greenethumb Improvement Board

    The Greene County Commission met for its regular second Monday of the month meeting. All members of the Commission were present. The meeting was opened by Garria Spencer, Chairperson, a prayer was given, the previous minutes and agenda were approved as submitted.
    The Commission voted to approve documents concerning the Purdue Pharmacy and Sacker Family Bankruptcy for a payment in litigation over opioid abuse by the company. The Commission voted to authorize the Chairperson to sign the documents.
    The Commission approved a recommendation from the County Engineer to zip up County Road 136, a short road south of Boligee, which is no longer in use. The paved road will be made into a gravel road to save on maintenance costs.
    The Commission agreed that its current lease agreement with Mr. Gomez of Iron Wolf Media LLC, for repairs and use of the former Greenetrack facility will stand as submitted to the company. The Commission owns the facility. They have held several meetings with Gomez, mostly in Executive Session, concerning amendments and changes to the 15-year lease, with 5-year renewals. Commission Chair Spencer said, ”We have negotiated a solid agreement with Iron Wolf. We and our attorney reached agreement with the company on certain changes, which they now want to revise again. Our position now is they accept the lease as negotiated or move on to another location.”
    The Commission appointed three of the five members of the “Greenethumb Farmers’ Initiative Improvement District Board, to help secure additional financing for a medical marijuana raising project, licensed to George Poindexter, a Black entrepreneur, who has begun operations in the northern part of the county. Sandra Walker was appointed for District 1, McDaniel Garner for District 4 and Kashaya Cockrell for District 5. The Commissioners for Districts 2 and 3 were not ready yet to make appointments. The new board will be installed and instructed by County Attorney, Mike Parnell, as to their duties and responsibilities in the near future.
    A financial report was submitted by Brenda Burke, which shows a total of $ 10,208,675 in funds in banks. In Citizens Trust Bank has $4,608,845 in restricted funds and $1,204,745 in unrestricted funds in the county’s General Fund. Merchants and Farmers Bank, has $2,726,113 in restricted funds and $1,768,971 in unrestricted funds, which are Bingo funds in a General Fund account. The County also has $1,901,066 in Certificates of Deposit in several banks as an investment reserve.
    During the month of August 2025, the County paid out $1,346,098 in claims plus $191,254 in electronic claims for a total of $1,537,352 for payroll, materials, ongoing road projects and a contract with Rebasco Decorators to repairs the flooring in the William M. Branch County Courthouse.