The Greene County Democrat

Tag: Greene County Commission

  • Corey Cockrell seeks Eutaw Mayor’s office


    A Proven Leader
    Committed to the Community
    Dedicated to progress


    My name is Corey Cockrell, and I am proud to announce my candidacy for Mayor of Eutaw. I believe I am the best candidate for this position because I will bring proven leadership, a strong vision, and a deep commitment to the future of our city.
    With over 11 years of experience serving on the Greene County Commission, I have developed the skills and insight necessary to lead effectively. I understand the challenges we face, and I know how to bring people together to build a solid foundation for lasting progress.
    My mission is to uplift our community—working hand in hand with the city council, our citizens, local businesses, and the school system—to build a brighter, more united Eutaw. I am a hardworking, dependable, and dedicated public servant. I am not just ready to lead; I am ready to work—for you, for our families, and for our future.
    As your Mayor, I will focus on:
    •Creating better job opportunities
    •Expanding programs and activities for our youth
    •Strengthening services for our senior citizens
    •Promoting affordable housing
    •Ensuring that every citizen has a chance to build a stable life
    I believe Eutaw has the potential to be one of the most vibrant and livable cities in Alabama. Together with GOD, faith, accountability, and unity, we can move Eutaw forward.
    Let’s build a future we can all be proud of— together.
    Active Member – Ezekiel Baptist Church
    Graduated – Greene County High School
    Bachelor of Science Degree – Physical Education, Jacksonville State University
    Member of Business Association Program – Jacksonville State University
    Member of Jacksonville State University Hyper Club
    Physical Education teacher & Coach at Greene County High School
    District 3 Greene County Commissioner

    My Vision

    To work together with my fellow city council to obtain the following:

    •Attract high paying jobs Make Eutaw a desirable place to live and do business by creating an environment that encourages economic development and supports local entrepreneurs.
    •Expand Recreational Opportunities Promote a healthier lifestyle for all ages by developing a modern Recreation Center, enhancing youth sports programs, and creating more spaces for families to enjoy.
    •Improve Infrastructure Continue the fight for better roads, clean and safe water, effective drainage and sewer systems, and a commitment to keeping our city clean and welcoming.
    •Strengthen Education & Workforce Readiness Build a closer partnership with our local schools to ensure our children are prepared for success and our workforce remains competitive in today’s economy.

     

  • Commission hears request for repairs and upgrades at former Greenetrack facility

    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.

  • County Commission re-organizes: Garria Spencer is Chairperson; Roshanda Summerville is Vice-Chair

    Commissioner Garria Spencer was selected as Chairperson and Roshanda Summerville as Vice-Chair

    At its monthly session held Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the Greene County Commission conducted its re-organization of officers, meeting schedule, bank depositories and signatures for checks. Commissioner Garria Spencer was selected as Chairperson and Roshanda Summerville as Vice-Chair.
    Commissioner Spencer noted that the commissioners appointments to various committees will likely remain the same, with the chairperson as head of the finance committee. The final committee selections will be announced at the next meeting.
    The commissioners approved the same meeting schedule as 2nd Monday of the month at 5:00 pm in the William M. Branch Courthouse. The bank depositories will also remain the same including in Eutaw Citizen Trust Bank and Merchant & Farmers Bank; Robertson Banking Company in Demopolis and Pinnicle Bank in Birmingham. The check and safety deposit box signatories will remain the same including, Commissioners Garria Spencer, Corey Cockrell, CFO Macaroy Underwood and Brenda Burke.
    CFO Macaroy Underwood presented the financial report for October, the first month of the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Accounts payable totaled $1.468,281.60; Payroll Transfer totaled $303.121.83; Fiduciary totaled $72,447.27. Total claims paid: $1,843,850.70. Electronic claims paid in July totaled $70,439.32.
    Funds in Citizen Trust Bank: unrestricted totaled $2,148,509.99; restricted totaled $3,960,857.94. Funds in Merchants & Farmers Bank: unrestricted $2,155,651.52; restricted totaled $1,883,575.14.
    Three CD accounts were established at Pinnicle Bank including two at $500,000 each and one at $125,000. Standing CD accounts include Merchants & Farmers – $128,111.58; $119,599.05; $406,375.69; Robertson Banking Company $117,792.63. Bank Investments totaled $1,896,878.95.
    The commission approved the minutes of the previous meeting, the finance report and payment of claims.

  • Palace bingo facility will host simulcast racing

    Racing Commission awards operating license for pari-mutual wagering and simulcast racing

    The Greene County Racing Commission has awarded a six year operating license to Five Star Investment Company, LLC to conduct parimutuel wagering with authorization to conduct Greyhound Simulcasting and Historical Horse Racing Gaming. According to the Racing commission, only one application was submitted. The license is awarded for six years at a fee of $10,000 per year.
    The licensee will contribute 4% of revenues to the Racing Commission towards its operations and to distribute to designated entities as previously prescribed by Alabama Legislative Action. These entities include Greene County Hospital Board, Greene County Board of Education, Greene County Commission, incorporated municipalities, law enforcement, ambulance service and maintenance, other designated community organizations and programs.
    The new licensee will conduct simulcasting gaming at the Palace Gaming facility in Knoxville. Reportedly, the Racing Commission’s offices will also be located at the Palace.
    The previous license for Pare-Mutuel Wagering, Greyhound Simulcasting and Historical Horse Racing Gaming had been held by Greenetrack, Inc. and operated at its gaming facility. According to Mr. Luther Winn, former Greenetrack, Inc. CEO and President, the 
Greenetrack facilities on Greene County Road 208 and all properties, once in Greenetrack’s name, have been confiscated by the State of Alabama. The Greenetrack Gaming facility, previously co-owned by Greenetrack stockholders and the Greene County government is currently co-owned by the State of Alabama and Greene County government.
    It should be noted that the electronic bingo gaming which the State of Alabama deemed illegal at Greenetrack and precipitated its closing is the same electronic bingo gaming currently operating at other facilities in Greene County.

  • Greene County Commission deals with routine business at regular September 9, 2024 meeting

    At its regular meeting on September 9, 2024, the Greene County Commission reviewed and passed a number of routine business items.

    The Commission approved the extension and renewal of a variety of contracts, including the Alabama Department of Youth Service, for dealing with detention of youth offenders; the ACCA Workmen’s Compensation Self Insurance Fund; and the CIMS contract for soft wear at $750 a month for the
    Greene County Highway Department.

    The Commission also approved the 2025 Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday for February 21-23, 2025, which exempts certain needed item from taxation for that designated weekend.

    The Commission also approved several requests from the Greene County Highway Department:

    • Agreed to purchase a new garbage truck for $268,394, based on a budgetary plan for trading in used equipment for new vehicles;
    • Clean up scrap and garbage on County Road 210, outside of Boligee;
    • Approved advertising for an Assistant Superintendent; and
    • Approved travel for the County Engineer to attend the Alabama Road Safety Conference on October 15-17, 2024, in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

    The Commission accepted the low bid of $105,020 from Just Rite Heating and Cooling, for HVAC units at the County Courthouse. The Commission also accepted the low bid of $32,500, from M & H Construction Company for replacement of doors at the Eutaw Activity Center.

    The Commission received and accepted a report from CFO Mac Underwood on the financial status of the Commission as of August 31, 2024, the eleventh month of the fiscal year. The Commission has $2,848,852 in unrestricted funds and $3,676,857 in restricted funds deposited with Citizens Trust Bank. In Merchants and Farmers Bank, the Commission has $3,088,151 in unrestricted bingo funds and $1,723,584 in restricted funds. The total unrestricted funds are $5,937,004 and $ 5,400,442 in restricted funds. The Commission also has $899,569 in bond sinking funds.

    For the month of August, the Commission spent a total of $803,667 and an additional $71,057 in electronic claims. All the departmental budgets are in line with the budget as of August 31, 2024.

    A separate report was presented on the use of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funding given to the County, showing $67,790 in unexpended funds.
    On the report there is a note that the E-911 Board requested additional operating funds and that the Greene County Industrial Development Authority requested funds for building renovations. All the ARPA funds must be obligated by the end of this calendar year.

  • County pays taxes on co- owned Greenetrack property

    The Greene County Commission held it regular monthly meeting, Monday, May 13, 2024 with all commissioners present. A carryover from the Commission’s work session the prior week was a discussion of the property taxes due on the Greenetrack property, which is co-owned by the Greene County government. To avoid allowing that property to be listed for public auction, the commission voted unanimously, in this meeting, to remit the taxes due, totaling $33,365.48. The general concern was that someone would outbid the county at public auction.
    Another carryover item from the work session related to consideration of the commission establishing a Greene County Cemetery Rehabilitation Authority. The Authority members would serve as volunteers surveying and recording unkempt and dilapidated cemeteries throughout the county. It was unclear what steps would follow or what the commission could do with this information, since many long-dated cemeteries are on private properties. Commissioner Allen turner offered the motion to establish the Authority, but it failed for lack of a second.
    In other business, the Commission acted on the following:
    * Approved an Intergovernmental Equipment and Service Agreement.
    * Approved contract with Yellowhammer Network, LLC – right-of-way for fiberoptic network.
    * Approved using a portion of the $100,000 ARPA funds for some Courthouse and Activity Center upgrades.
    * Approved establishing the Greene County Recognition and Appreciation Program.
    * Approved request of the Society of Folk Arts & Culture for use of courthouse restrooms during 2024 festival activities.
    * Approved purchasing full page graduation ad in special edition of the Democrat newspaper.
    * Approved change orders for courthouse renovations.
    * Approved travel for engineer and assistant engineer.
    * Tabled Solid Waste Collection proposal until a public hearing is held. The commission noted that there will be no change in fees and no employee layoff.
    Cancelled the executive session listed on the agenda.
    CFO Macaroy Underwood’s financial reports for April 2024 included the following bank balances: Citizen Trust, unrestricted $3,118,166.45; restricted, $4,537,889.86. Merchant & Farmers, unrestricted $6,159,028.49; restricted, $6,287,315.88; Investment Funds totaled $896,515.53. Accounts Payable totaled $1,169,916.23. Payroll transfers totaled $291,807.98 and Fiduciary was $50,283.29. Electronic Claims paid for March 2024 were $70,102.67.

  • County Commission enters cooperative agreement with Eutaw City for road repair

    The Greene County Commission met in regular session, Monday, April 8, 2024 with all commissioners present.The commission approved the preparation of a cooperative agreement with the City of Eutaw to fix County Road 76 where the city has a water tower located. Eutaw Mayor Latosha Johnson stated the road is in dire repair and ADECA has provided resources to the city for personnel and material cost needed for the repair. The city is requesting the use of machinery needed for the repair.
    At the commission’s work session, held Wednesday, April 3, the Engineer’s office recommended that the commission develop a policy and agreement for municipalities to borrow county equipment. The county’s attorney had not yet prepared the policy and agreement draft, thus the commission approved the short term cooperative arrangement with Eutaw City regarding use of county equipment for County Road 76.
    Mayor Johnson and various commissioners voiced similar statements that we are one community and must come to the aid of each other whenever we can.
    The commission also took the following actions:
    * Approved appointment of Mrs. Loretta Webb Wilson to EMS Board, on a 4-1 vote.
    * Approve hiring Ms. Shamira Means as Appraisal Clerk.
    * Approved Tax Revenue Enhancement Agreement with Avenu for Tax Revenue Administration.
    * Approved Diversifies Computer Service Agreement for Highway Department.
    * Approved to mill up county Road 136 and make it a dirt road.
    * Approved CDBG Form 5 for March.
    * Approved proposal for courthouse roof repair.
    * Approved option 2 proposal for courthouse foyer and bathroom renovation.
    * Approved updating EOP Plan.
    * Approved AAEM membership dues for EMA Director and Assist. Director at $50 each.
    * Approved EMA Assist. Director attendance at Alabama Disaster Preparedness Conference.
    Tabled rental prices for Eutaw Activity Center.
    The commission went into a brief executive session with no actions following.
    CFO, Macaroy Underwood presented the following financial reports for March, 2024.
    Citizen Trust Bank unrestricted funds – $3,239,276.54; restricted funds – $4,572,897.07.
    Merchants & Farmers Bank unrestricted funds – $6,205,138,58; restricted funds – $6,102,613.14; total bond investments -$895,755.12. Accounts payable totaled $517,295.10; payroll transfer totaled $329,107.34; fiduciary totaled $32,822.28; electronic claims totaled $52,678.19. In the General Fund Budget, recap 57% is left overall.

  • County Commission requests State Attorney General’s opinion on Coroner’s salary and expense adjustments

    The Greene County Commission met in regular session, Monday, March11 with all commissioners present. The body approved the previous minutes, agenda, financial report and payment of claims as presented by CSFO Mac Underwood in the work session held Wednesday, March 6, 2024.
    The first item of new business, approved by the commission, (with an abstention by Commissioner Tennyson Smith) was a resolution requesting the State Attorney General’s opinion regarding the Coroner’s (Ronald Kent Smith) salary and expenses allowance as indicated in a Local Legislative Act approved and signed by Governor Kay Ivey in March 2020. This Act authorizes the Greene County Commission to provide for the compensation and expense allowance of the coroner including expenses for the operation of the office of coroner and to repeal Section 45-32-60.01 of the Code of Alabama 1975.
    The Act passed in 2020 states: “The Greene County Commission may provide the Coroner of Greene County with additional expense allowance and compensation or salary. The county commission may provide for any expense allowance granted to the Coroner by this Act or otherwise to convert to salary effective beginning the next term of office of the coroner.”
    Greene County Coroner, Ronald K. Smith, began a new term of office in 2022. Mr. Smith indicated his salary and expenses allowance should have been adjusted at that time. He said he has approached the commission numerous times regarding an adjustment in pay,
    In other business the commission acted on the following:
    * Approved ABC License for Greene County Entertainment, with four commissioners voting for and Commission Chairperson Corey Cockrell voting against.
    * Approved Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy.
    Approved travel for Board of Registrars and Assistant Engineer
    The financial report for February 2024 was as follows: Accounts Payable -$725,439.09; Payroll Transfer – $289,883.73; Fiduciary – $721,162.61; Total $1,736,485.43. Electronic Claims paid January, 2024 totaled $52,678.19. Unrestricted Funds in Citizen Trust Bank totaled $3,474,352.09. Restricted Funds in Citizen Trust Bank Totaled $4,760,130.74. Unrestricted Funds in Merchants & Farmers Bank totaled $2,900,862.04. Restricted Funds in Merchants & Farmers Bank totaled $1,467,507.61. Total investments reported as $894,295.60.

  • Eutaw City Council meets on Nov. 28, 2023 opens bids for restroom repairs

    The Eutaw City Council met for its regular second meeting of the month on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. The Mayor and four council members: Jacqueline Stewart, Tracey Hunter, Valerie Watkins, and Larrie Coleman, were present.

    Joe Powell, Assistant City Clerk, opened bids for repair of two rest rooms at the Robert H. Young Community Center (former Carver School).
    There were two bids, and the Council awarded the bid to M&H Construction Company for $17,500. He also opened bids for repair of one rest room at the National Guard Armory. M&H Construction was again the low bidder at $7,500 for this work.

    The Council asked the Mayor and staff to carefully check the bonding and insurance qualifications of the low bidder to make sure they were in compliance with the bid requirements and specifications before award the bids.

    The Council also approved advertising for sale of a used Greyhound bus using the city’s website, to determine if there is any interest in purchasing this surplus item.

    The Council tabled a sale of land on Boligee Street to the Greene County Commission, for construction of a water park. There were questions about the nature of the proposed water park and the inclusion of a redemption clause in the sale if the project is not built within a reasonable period of time.

    An offer of $6,000 from Freedom Rock Church to purchase four acres of city owned land, was rejected by the Council for being below the fair market value of the land. The church proposed to purchase land on the Lock 7 Road, near the City Park, for construction of a church and community building. The Mayor said, “We are supportive of building the church and community facilities, but we want them to pay a fair price We will try to get an appraisal to show the fair market value of the land.”

    The Council, which has vacated the District 2 seat of LaJeffrey Carpenter, agreed that December 6 was the deadline for residents of the district to send a letter of interest in the position; and that the Council will interview applicants on December 11 for the position, so an appointment can be made, and the position filled at the December 12 next regular meeting of the Council.

    The Council received several financial reports from Financial Adviser Ralph Liverman on the status of city bank accounts. They also voted to pay bills that had been processed by staff for payment.

    In the public comments section, there were several comments from residents, including Faye Tyree and Vivian Carpenter that the City of Eutaw was not moving forward as quickly as they wished.

  • 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.