The Greene County Democrat

Tag: LLC

  • County hires Altheria Wilder as CFO

    Commission approves structure for Greenethumb Farmer’s Initiative Improvement District, producing Medical Marijuana; approves lease adjustment with Iron Wolf, LLC

    The Greene County Commission met in a called meeting, Monday, August 25, 2025 with all Commissioners present. Following the official opening, Attorney Mark Parnell certified the body going into executive session for legal matters and personnel issues. When the public meeting resumed, the Chairperson, Garria Spencer, stated that no decisions were made in executive session.
    The first item discussed was a request from Greenethumb Farmer’s Initiative Improvement District. Reportedly, Greenethumb is licensed to grow Medical Marijuana at the site off Hwy11in Greene County. Attorney Parnell clarified that a decision on the Articles of Incorporation of the group was before the Commission. He said there is no financial obligation for the county, but establishing the Articles will enable the group to secure bonds. The Commission voted unanimously to approve the Articles, with the understanding that the Commission also has the authority to appoint five board members for the Improvement District. Commissioner Spencer stated the county will address this at the next meeting.
    The next pertinent item before the Commission was consideration of a request from Iron Wolf, LLC to amend their lease agreement with the County. The request was to extend the lease to five years, with the initial two years payment applied to renovations and repairs, after which time the lease payment will be $125,000 annually. The Commission indicated there may be future lease negotiations, pending gaming law changes in Alabama.
    The Commission also hired Mrs. Altheria Wilder in the position of CFO for the County. Her employment is part-time, involving three days per week at $45 per hour. Mrs. Wilder has served in the capacity of County CFO previously and is relatively familiar with the county’s financial operations.
    In other business the Commission acted on the following:

    • Approved M&H Construction for painting the courthouse.
    • Approved Barton Enterprises for polishing floors at the courthouse.
    • Approved tree removal behind courthouse.
    • Requested verification of cost for the modification of the truck for the Coroner’s operations. Purchase of the truck has been approved.
    • Approved agreement with Text my gov.

  • Groundbreaking held for Sports Complex at GCHS Greene County Racing Commission distributes $210,003 to school system

    Alabama Rep. Curtis Travis joins school board members, superintendent and GCHS staff at initial groundbreaking of Sports Complex Phase I. Public officials join school board members, superintendent and staff in ground breaking. GCHS scholars participate in groundbreaking ceremony

    The Greene County Board of Education held its regular meeting, Monday, August 18, 2025 with all board members present. Two measures of particular note brought before the board including a recap of the ground breaking at Greene County High School, Friday, August 15, 2025, for Track & Field Project (Phase I of the Sports Complex at Greene County High School). The expected cost of Phase I will be approximately $1.9 million. The State Department of Education is providing a portion of the cost.
    The second measure was the announcement by CSFO, Marquita Lennon, and a huge thank you to the Greene County Racing Commission for its disbursement of $210,003 to the school system for quarters 1 and 2. Lennon indicated that this revenue will be reported in next month’s financial packet.
    The board approved the following personnel items recommended by Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones.
    Employment for the 2025 – 2026 school year: Eulas Kirtdoll –7th/8th grade Social Studies teacher – RBMS, effective August 4, 2025; Erica Clayton – Paraprofessional – EPS, effective August 6, 2025; Dorethea Childs – Paraprofessional – RBMS, effective August 6, 2025; Khadijah Hunter – Long-term Substitute (SPED) – GCHS; Alicia McMillian – Custodian – 10 month.
    Recall: Cedric Murry – 7th/8th grade Business Application teacher – RBMS, effective August 4, 202. Supplemental pay for Dr. Charlayne Jordan to serve as Truancy Officer for the district in the amount of $10,000. Supplemental pay for Rebecca Coleman to serve as Safety Coordinator for the district in the amount of $10,000.
    Stipends for Coordinators of the Peer Helpers/Peer Helpers Plus Program in the amount of $562 50 per person for the 2024-2025 school year: Marilynn Knott, EPS; Shirley Noland, EPS; Dr. Rosalyn Griffin, RBMS; Kathryn Soule, RBMS; Angela Harkness, GCHS; Drenda Morton, GCHS; Tamika Thompson, GCHS; Barbara H. Martin, District.
    Authorization of the following employees to work concessions and ticket booths for the 2025-2026 school year at the Greene County High School at a rate of $125 per game at the principal’s discretion: LaTanya Cockrell; Tracey Hunter; Sarah Brewer; Twelia Morris; Sharon Washington; Mary Henderson; Wanda Gaitor; Makane Morrow; Jacqueline Edwards – Custodial Services.
    The board approved the following administrative items recommended by Dr. Jones.
    * Travel for Greene County High School band to tour Jacksonville State University band facility and attend the HBCU Labor Day Classic in Jackson, MS on August 31 – Sept 1, 2025.
    * Contract between the Greene County Board of Education and West Central Volleyball Officials Association for volleyball officials for the 2025 – 2026 school year at GCHS.
    * Bid submitted by Birmingham Restaurant Supply, Inc. for serving line counters at Eutaw Primary School in the amount of $54,880 (Lowest bidder).
    * Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Laura Stoppelbein, LLC to provide diagnostic evaluations to assist in the identification of students suspected of having autism.
    * Agreement between the Greene County Board of Education and Grand Canyon University to participate in the Participant’s in Learning Serving program.
    * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll.
    Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO.
    The CSFO, Ms. Marquita Lennon presented the following Financial Snapshot as of July 31, 2025. Operating reserves total 8.18 months; cash reserves totaled 8.17 months, with all bank accounts reconciled. The general fun d balance was reported as $8,593,363.61, recon cilia g to the summary cash report. Accounts payable totaled $207,847.55; payroll register totaled $888,619.87, with total grade pay to in crude employer match items. Local Revenue; property taxes – $17,411.39; sales taxes – $106,496.62; other taxes – $ 5,918.36. Total – $129,826.37.

    Read the entire E-edition below

  • 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.

  • Eutaw City Council funds debris
    clean-up from storm

    The Eutaw City Council met on December 9 and December 13, 2022, to discuss dealing with housing for families displaced by the EF-1 tornado that hit Sagewood Apartments and other parts of Eutaw on Tuesday night, December 6, 2022.
    The Council also considered debris clean-up in the areas where the tornado hit, including Ezekiel Baptist Church, Sagewood, Mesopotamia Avenue around the Robert Brown Middle School and the neighborhoods behind Kirkwood. Twenty homes were damaged by wind and falling trees in the area north of Mesopotamia Avenue, behind Kirkwood.
    Mayor Latasha Johnson and the Eutaw City Council discussed debris removal with several local contractors at the December 9 Special Council meeting. The mayor arranged to meet with the contractors and city street department staff, the next day, to work out an affordable plan for debris removal and disposal.
    At the December 15th regular meeting a major issue for discussion was the use of city vehicles and the policy that city police could drive their cars home, even if they live outside of Greene County, to be able to respond to emergency situations in a timely manner.
    Chief Tommy Johnson said he supported allowing the city vehicles to be driven home by officers, instead of leaving them parked at City Hall, because this was a more efficient and effective way of combatting crime and responding to emergencies. The Chief said he had developed an inspection checklist to review the cars each week to make sure they were in operating order.
    Council members LaJeffrey Carpenter and Valerie Watkins wanted this item on the agenda to be sure the City Council understood the budgetary and insurance cost implications of the vehicle policies.
    Ms. Watkins said she met with the chief and was satisfied with his explanation of the vehicle policy. The Council voted to reaffirm the policy concerning use of the police cars and other city vehicles.
    The Council referred an invoice with Babbs Engineering Consultants, former City Engineer, to City Attorney Zane Willingham to resolve. The Council approved a pricelist for pumps, motors, and other replacement parts and repair costs, for the water and sewer systems from Shephard Services, LLC of Tuscaloosa. The price list would give the city assurance in advance of costs to repair and replace major pieces of equipment in the coming year.
    Ralph Liverman, city financial adviser, gave a financial report on the city revenues and expenses for the months of October and November and said the expenses were in line with budgetary projections and that revenues received were slightly larger than expected. The Council approved opening new bank accounts for the ADEM grants provided to the city for the water and sewage system upgrade and consolidation with Boligee.
    Mayor Johnson reported to the City Council that she had re-appointed Teresa Beeker to the Greene County Industrial Development Authority and Jackie Allen to the Eutaw Housing Authority Board. She also appointed Sharon Trammel to the Greene County Emergency Medical Services Board, which supervises the ambulance services.
    In other business, the Eutaw City Council:

    • Approved purchase of a 2015 silver Chevrolet Tahoe truck for the Police Department
    • Approved travel and per diem for Corey Martin to attend a plumber training program.
    • Approved City Judge Joshua Swords membership in the Alabama Municipal Judges Association; and City Attorney Zane Willingham for the Alabama Municipal Attorney Association.
    • Approved $19,200 contract with P. M. Roofing to complete roofing on the cafeteria of the Robert H. Young Community Center.
    • Approved Holiday schedule for employees.
    • Approved payment of bills and claims.

  • County prepares administratively for new gasoline tax

    The Greene County Commission held its regular monthly meeting, Monday, September 9, 2019 and took official action on various items discussed at its work session held the previous Wednesday. With the new gasoline tax in effect this month, the commission approved adding two new special revenue funds as it related to the Rebuild Alabama Act. The commission authorized a resolution for bank depository for the new gasoline tax and authorized the chairman to sign all necessary documents.
    The commission approved entering into an agreement with TG Earnest & Associates for a culture resource assessment for the bridge replacement on County Road 69, allowing the chairman to sign all necessary documents. At the previous work session, County Engineer Willie Branch advised the commission that expenditures would not exceed $3,500 for the project.
    Also based on the engineer’s recommendation, the commission approved hiring one equipment operator and one part-time laborer.
    The commission approved the contract with the Alabama Department of Youth Services. Veronica Evans, representing ADYS, made a presentation at the previous work session, detailing the services rendered to youth of Greene County and the related costs. Ms. Evans was requesting that the commission consider budgeting more resources for ADYS in the upcoming fiscal year.
    The commission and a delegation from the Town of Forkland, agreed to pursue appropriate action for the sale of, or transfer of, the Forkland park from the county to the Town of Forkland.
    Apparently, the park cannot be sold without authorization from ADECA. The county’s attorney was authorized to send the appropriate letters noting the county’s intent.
    J & S Bartending, LLC was granted a special events ABD license by the commission.
    Commissioner Roshanda Summerville reappointed Mrs. Glenda Hodges to the DHR Board from District 5; and Commissioner Tennyson Smith reappointed Steven Abrams to the E-011 Board from District 2.
    The following travel requests were approved:

    • Judge of Probate and one clerk and Board of Registrars to Election Conference, October 30-31, 2019 in Tuscaloosa.
      Overview of County Government for Assistant Engineer on October 9-10, 2019 in Prattville, AL.
      The commission also approved payment of claims and various budget amendments.

  • Eutaw City Council holds routine meeting

    At its March 27, 2018 meeting the Eutaw City Council handled routine business and then adjourned into a lengthy executive session to discuss “the good name and character of individuals” or “legal matters” facing the city.
    The Eutaw City Council often holds executive sessions to discuss matters in private, which means that the public and the press are not allowed to hear the discussions and deliberations. We hope the Eutaw City Council is not meeting in “executive session” to avoid public exposure of its discussions.
    Mayor Raymond Steele and three Council members: Latasha Johnson, Joe Lee Powell and LaJeffrey Carpenter, constituted a quorum. Council members: Bennie Abrams and Sheila H. Smith were absent.
    The Council approved a change in the liquor license application for the Chuck Wagon to Warrior Bar and Grill, LLC. The restaurant will now be located in West End next to the convenience store on Highway 11. A formal ribbon cutting ceremony will be held once the liquor license is in place but the restaurant is open for business at its new location.
    There was a discussion of the policy and usage rates for the Eutaw Civic Center, the new name of the former Eutaw National Guard Armory.

    Mayor Steele said there would need to be some changes in the usage fee for profit and non-profit events to cover all expenses for the facility. Councilman LaJeffrey Carpenter suggested that the Council table this issue until it could be discussed in a ‘work session’.
    The Council then voted to table this matter for further discussion.
    The Council voted to pay bills as presented for the past month. They also voted that the City employees be given Good Friday on March 30 as a holiday.
    During the public comment period, a resident inquired about when they would receive a water bill. Mayor Steele said the water bills were delayed because the City had to complete updating of the software to read the electronic meters. As soon as this is completed the water bills would be issued and future bills should be on a regular monthly schedule.
    The Council adjourned the public meeting and went into an ‘executive session’.