Greene County Democrat

Tag: the Greene County Commission

  • Greene County Commission approves purchase of pothole repair machine

    The Greene County Commission at their regular monthly meeting on December 8, 2025, approved purchase of a $344,000 machine to repair potholes, which can be operated by one person. The Commission hopes to secure a bank loan from Merchants and Farmers Bank to buy the machine. Payments will be made from the quarterly funds allocated to the County Commission from the Racing Commission from proceeds of gaming at the Palace. Several commissioners pointed out the value of this machine in repairing roads across the county.
    Earlier in the meeting, the Commission approved an allocation of the unrestricted portion of the funds provided by the Racing Commission to the Greene County Commission suggested by Commissioner Allen Turner. Turner’s proposal was modified to allocate 45% to the General Fund, 15% to the Highway Department, 15% to matching funds required to receive state or Federal grants, 15% to other agencies, and 10% for the Commissioner’s discretionary funds.
    The Greene County Commission modified Turner’s suggested distribution of these funds coming from simulcasting of horse and greyhound dog racing and historical horse racing machines operated at the Palace, under the administration of the Greene County Racing Commission. The Commission will use the 15% allocation to the Highway Department to finance purchase of the pothole fixing machine.
    The Commission approved an extension of time to apply for an exemption to pay for garbage collection, based on age and income, until December 31, 2025. This will allow more people, who qualify for the exemption to apply and secure this benefit.
    In other business, the Commission:
    • Approved purchase of a full-page advertisement in the Greene County Democrat Annual Progress issue.
    • Approved the 2025 holiday schedule for staff.
    • Approved appointments to the Greene County Industrial Development Authority (GCIDA) of Kurt Turner for District 4, Darrell Jones for District 5 and Loretta Webb Wilson for District 3.
    • Approved Rodgerick Williams, new CEO/Administrator at the GCHS to the EMS Ambulance Board to replace Dr. Marcia Pugh.
    • Tabled action for a member on the GreenThumb Board for District 2.
    • Approved travel for Highway Department staff to attend training in Huntsville, Alabama.
    • Approved Financial Report for November 30, 2025, as presented by the CFO.

  • Greene County Commission authorizes purchase of 3 new dump trucks and other road repair equipment

    The Greene County Commission held a work session and regular monthly meeting on last Wednesday, July 9, 2025. All five commissioners were present for the meeting.
    In the work session, most of the discussion was centered on Assistant County Engineer Calvin Culliver’s requests for purchase of new equipment for road repair work in the county. Culliver suggested selling three dump trucks owned by the County and buying three new dump trucks. Since the equipment is relatively new, it will have a good resale value, but also the County will acquire new trucks, which will require lower maintenance and repair costs.
    The Commission approved a similar financial arrangement to purchase the current dump trucks, two years ago. This purchase will require the Commission to advance $750,000 from its $1.9 million Bingo General Fund for the purchase of new trucks and then reimburse the bingo funds from the sale of the current trucks. This arrangement to purchase and sell three dump trucks was approved in the regular Commission meeting following the work session.
    Assistant Engineer Culliver requested purchase of a new lowboy tractor for $194,000 to transport equipment to work sites. The County will sell its current lowboy tractor as part of this transaction. Culliver requested purchase of three new pickup trucks for the Highway Department at a cost of $44,700 each. The existing pickup trucks some as old as a 1998 model will also be sold. The Commission approved these purchases in its regular meeting following the work session.
    In the work session, the County Highway Department requested rental of a Track-hoe with a mulcher attachment for dealing with fallen trees along the roadways. This equipment can be rented for $7,500 per month. The engineer felt he could recover some of the cost by charging other municipalities for use of the equipment after storms. He also anticipates lower cost for dumping of the mulched materials, which can be spread along the side of the road, rather than finding a landfill for disposal of tree limbs. The Track-hoe rental was also approved in the regular meeting.
    CFO Mac Underwood estimated that the total impact of the equipment purchases and sales would reduce the Bingo General Fund resources from $1.9 to $1,6 million. Commissioner Allen Turner pointed out that this arrangement could not continue forever without replenishing the reserve fund.
    The Commission recognized Charlie Gomez, who was in the audience, to consider his request for changes in his contract to lease the old Greenetrack facilities. Gomez requested a name change on the agreement for his corporation to Iron Wolf Media LLC. He also requested some changes in the contract language to allow for sub-leasing. In the regular meeting, the Commission agreed to the name change and authorized its attorney, Mark Parnell, to negotiate the language on subleases.
    The Commission reviewed and approved a contract with Digital Information Systems for computers and program applications, for 2025-26 fiscal year. The Commission also agreed to add to the agreement and install a new telephone system upgrade for a Voice Over IP System at a cost of $1,755 per month, which is slightly higher than the current cost of $1,650 a month for the current outdated system.
    The Commission heard a request from George Poindexter of IM Farms, a licensed medical cannabis raising and processing operation, located in the county, that needed help in establishing a “public improvement district” to support and expand its operations. Due to the proprietary nature of the company’s operation and plans, the Commission met with Pointdexter in an Executive Session. Commission Chair Garria Spencer said no formal action was taken on the request in the Executive Session.
    In other actions, the County Commission:
    • Approved request from the Town of Union for use of voting machines for the August 26,2025 municipal election.
    • Approved report from the Revenue Commission on 2024 operations to be submitted to the State of Alabama.
    • Approved FY2026 County Rebuild Alabama Contractors Report.
    • Approved travel for Assistant County Engineers to attend the ACCA Convention in Perdido Beach, August 19-21, 2025.
    • Re-appointed Joe Powell to the Greene County Housing Authority Board from District 3 and tabled the appointment to the DHR Board from this district.
    • Heard a request, in the public comments section of the meeting from Eula Morton, for the creation of a mechanism to raise funds for senior citizens activities in relation to the senior feeding program at Eutaw and Forkland.
    CFO Mac Underwood presented a financial report which showed as of June 30, 2026, the Greene County Commission had $3,539,139 in Unrestricted funds and $7,777,708 in Restricted funds on hand in local banks. The County also has $1,900,285 in reserve funds invested in certificates of deposit. For the month of June 2025, the County spent $1,544,644 for expenses including payroll. Another $92,057 was expensed in electronic transfers for employee taxes and retirement.

  • Commission agrees to lease former Greenetrack facility to First Biometrics

    The Greene County Commission met in a called session, Thursday, May 1, 2025 with all Commissioners present. The two items on the presented agenda, relative to access to the former Greenetrack facility, included consideration of a lease between the Greene County Commission and First Biometrics and consideration of a lease between the Commission and Tim Anderson. Chairperson Garria Spencer noted that the Commission had not received a proposal from Tim Anderson, thus the agenda was adopted omitting the latter item.
    Commissioner Allen Turner, Jr. suggested going into an executive session, however, Chairman Spencer proposed that the body just vote on the sole item on the agenda. On a three-two vote, with Commissioners Allen Turner, Corey Cockrell and Roshanda Summerville voting yes, the Commission approved entering into a lease with First Biometrics which will allow them access to the former Greenetrack facility for restorations, renovations and security.
    In previous Commission meetings, Charlie Gomez of Iron Wolf LLC based in Huntsville, AL, advanced the proposal from First Biometrics which included language indicating a lease agreement would be presented asking the Commission to consider the financial investment for facility improvements made by First Biometrics. Commission Attorney Mark Parnell will prepare the lease agreement.
    It was noted that if bingo is brought back by the lessee to the renovated facility, Greene County Sheriff Jonathan Benison would have to issue the appropriate license to a charity operating the bingo gaming. First Biometrics indicated they would be considering gaming and a variety of entertainments.

  • Commission accepts CFO’s resignation effective May 31, 2025

    Commission approves $400 monthly stipend for Water Authority members

    The Greene County Commission met in regular session Monday, March 10, 2025 with all commissioners present except Mr. Tennyson Smith. Following the executive session, the first item of new business was to consider the request from the Greene County Water Authority to authorize a $400 monthly stipend for each member of the Water Authority. This was approved on a 3-1 vote with commissioners Roshanda Summerville, Corey Cockrell and Allen Turner voting yes and Commissioner Garria Spencer voting no.
    This repeated request from the Water Authority has been pursued since the Commission increased the Authority members from three to five in 2024, so each district in the county could be represented. According to Commission Chairperson Spencer, the Water Authority’s request had not been considered by the commission, since no appointed county boards receive stipends. Spencer also noted that stipends cannot be paid from Federal Grants, only from the operating account which is funded by water fees from customers. “It is likely that water bills will be raised due to the cost of these stipends,” Spencer said.
    Vincent Atkins, the Water Authority’s Manager/Operator stated that in 2019 the Water Authority received a $400,000 grant from USDA to construct an office with a storm shelter and for major upgrades to the water system. Atkins explained that due in part to delays with the original contractor, the USDA grant was extended and following legal actions, the Water Authority received a settlement from that contractor.
    According to Atkins, the current contractor has raised the cost of the project by approximately $130,000 due to delays from the Water Authority. “If the Water Authority had processed the contracts and related necessary documents in a timely manner, we would have avoided this increase in cost,” Atkins stated.
    Atkins noted that along with having to pay stipends to members, the Water Authority
    must budget for a monthly debt service of $3,300 on a $900,000 outstanding bank loan related to this project; satisfy an annual $86,000 reserve for maintenance and replacements; create another reserve which must reach $42,000.
    The current members of the Greene County Water Authority are: Chairperson William Morgan, appointed in 2022; Walter Beck appointed in 2021; Andre Woods, Don Woods and Barry Walker appointed in 2024.
    CFO Macaroy has submitted his resignation as Chief Financial Officer for the county, effective May 31, 2025. Underwood noted that he is nearing retirement and will assist the county with this transition.
    “Greene County is my home and it has been an honor to serve my home community as Greene County, Alabama CFO since 2020. I worked most of my professional career in Birmingham, Alabama; but, it’s truly been a pleasure to work for the Greene County Commission for four years. The county is in better financial condition than when I started and I’m a better person after working for Greene County,” said Mac Underwood. Underwood’s resignation was approved.
    The commission approved a request from Iron Wolk LLC to continue consulting with county attorney Mark Parnell relative to securing use of the former Greenetrack property. No additional information was provided on the company’s plan for the property.
    In other business, the commission acted on the following:
    Approved the finance report and payment of bells.
    Approved MSB for bridge on County Road 20 at cost of $883,349, to be paid from Rebuild Alabama Fund.
    Approved travel for Assistant Engineer.
    Approved contract with Cooks Pest Control for the Eutaw Activity Center.
    Authorized Engineer’s office to apply for $400,000 Alabama Forestry (reimbursement) Grant to upgrade roads traveled by heavy trucks.
    CFO Underwood presented the following financial report for February 2025 – claims paid from general fund. Accounts payable totaled $242,993.24; payroll transfer totaled $289,620.36; fiduciary totaled $63,703.78; electronic claims paid totaled $74,089.09. Citizen Trust Bank unrestricted funds totaled $2,149,021.55; restricted funds totaled $5,319,334.98. Merchants & Farmers Bank unrestricted funds totaled $1,354,645.08; restricted funds totaled $2,537,746.71. CD’s and investments totaled $1,898,597.43.

  • Commission raises concerns about maintenance and accessibility of storm shelters

    The Greene County Commission met in a work session, Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 5:00 pm. This is the opportunity for each commissioner to report on and/or raise issues and concerns relative to their districts. Concerns were raised about the upkeep of the various storm shelters throughout the county. The commissioners agreed that each community needs to keep its shelter clean and ready for use when severe weather warnings are issued. They directed that each shelter be maintained and inspected on a monthly basis and reported to the commission.
    Other concerns raised related to the PARA Board and it’s operations. The Greene County Park And Recreation Authority is funded by ad valorem taxes, but seemingly the commission is not apprised of its various activities. It was also noted that the PARA Board is not holding regular meetings. Commission Chair, Garria Spencer, agreed to contact PARA Director Frank Smith and set a meeting with the commission.
    As part of his financial report, CFO Mac Underwood informed the commission that a Positive Pay procedure has been put in place, which will inform the banks of checks written before the checks are processed by that bank. “This is another measure to help eliminate fraud,” Underwood said.
    Commissioner Spencer informed the body that the former Greenetrack, Inc. has turned over its half ownership of the physical properties which were co-owned by Greenetrack, Inc. and Greene County, however the State of Alabama still has a lien on part of that property. “These are issues we still need to resolve,” Spencer stated.
    At its regular meeting, held Monday, January 13, 2025, the County Commission toke the following action.
    Approved financial report and payment of claims.
    Approved purchase of a full page ad in the Democrat’s annual Black History Edition.
    Approved extending solid waste exemption period until January 21, 2025.
    Approved various conference travel for Highway Department personnel.
    Approved Daryl Jones for IDA – District 5.
    Approved Lucy Spann for Hospital Board – District 1.
    Approved Pinnina Hines for Hospital Board – District 5.
    Approved Pastor Michael Barton for Hospital Board – District 4.
    Approved Cila Morrow for Library Board.
    Approved Pastor Carolyn Branch for DHR Board – District 4.
    The CFO’s financial report for December, 2024 included the following. Accounts payable totaled $941,064.29; payroll transfer totaled $498,064.27; fiduciary totaled $243,284.08; electronic claims paid totaled $141,941.25. Citizen Trust Bank unrestricted funds – $892,559.44; restricted funds – $4,650,770.29. Merchant & Farmers Bank unrestricted funds – $2,085,329.52; restricted funds – $2,141,194.90. Investments and CD’s totaled $1,897,871.16.

  • County approves agreement for additional employees for Sheriff Department

    The Greene County Commission held its monthly meeting October 15, 2024, with all commissioners present. A key decision was the approval of the Budget Supplement Agreement between the Commission and Sheriff Jonathan Benison. The agreement establishes the terms under which the County will supplement the budget for the Sheriff’s Department and jail facility for additional employees not covered in the county’s 2024-2025 budget for the Sheriff’s Department.
    The County’s approved budget for the Sheriff’s Department this fiscal year is $1,564,926. The salaries and benefits for the additional employees hired by the Sheriff, and not included in this approved budget, will be remitted in advance to the County. The Agreement states the following: “ As long as the Sheriff provides the funds…to supplement the (Sheriff’s) budget, the County is willing to add said personnel to the County’s payroll for salaries and other benefits and to process other expenditures as the Sheriff remits to the County as being necessary….”
    The Agreement further states: “The Sheriff agrees to provide the County, in advance, a payment equal to three months of pay, benefits and other expenditures, as more particularly set forth for the additional employees.” The County agrees to add the additional employees for the Sheriff Department and pay them in the same manner and frequency as other county employees when the Base Amount Reserve of $47,979 is received from the Sheriff.
    It is also noted in the Agreement that the County does not have a role in setting the salaries of the additional employees and if the Base Reserve is not maintained, the County will not be able to continue to employ the additional employees.
    As an additional consideration of this Agreement, the Sheriff agrees to pay the County 
$75,000 per month for the County to use in any way the commissioners deem.
    This Agreement is in effect October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025.
    In other business the commission acted on the following agenda items:
    * Approved bids for the 2024-2025 as presented by the Engineer’s office.
    * Approved the CDBG Grant for sum of $83,665.36.
    * Approved purchasing three CD’s with Chemical Bank of Birmingham at the proposed rates: $500,000 and $125,000 for one yer at 4.13%; $500,000 for two years at 3.89%.
    * Denied Water Authority Board’s request for pay increase.
    * Approved resolution regarding December 2024 Recognition and Appreciation Program.
    * Approved Commissioners joining and attending the Black County Officials Retreat October 24-27, 2024.
    Approved travel for Assistant Engineer to Orange Beach.
    Approved finance report and payment of claims.
    The financial report, as of September 2024, presented by CFO Macaroy Underwood, indicated the following: Accounts payable – $420.168.06; Payroll transfer – $293,638.09; Fiduciary – $59,938.25; Electronic claims – $71,057.55. Bank balances are as follows: Citizen Trust unrestricted – $2,736,855.22, restricted -$3,766,262.51. Merchant & Farmers unrestricted –
    $3,080,651.52. In vestments totaled $771,363.41.

  • Commission renews CFO contract; approves board appointments, equipment purchase and road naming

    CFO Macaroy Underwood

    The Greene County Commission held its monthly meeting Monday, August 12, 2024 with all commissioners present. Before the agenda was approved, Commissioner Roshanda Summerville requested to present amendments. The commission approved adding the following items: Consider renewing the CFO’s contract under its existing agreements; Consider adopting a resolution naming Caroline Carpenter Road one half mile from the Union City limits; Consider a resolution to approve the Rebuild Alabama Plan.
    The Commission acted on these items individually with all approving naming the county road Caroline Carpenter Road and adopting the resolution for Rebuild Alabama. The renewal of CFO’s contract was approved on a 3-2 vote, with Commissioners Allen Turner and Corey Cockrell voting in the negative. Turner expressed concern that the existing contract should be reviewed before acting on it. CFO Macaroy Underwood expressed that he was agreeable with renewing his contract with existing terms.
    The status of Attorney Mark Parnell’s contract with the county was not raised at this commission meeting.
    The Commission accepted the resignation of David Bailey from the Water Authority Board, District 1, and approved the Commissioner Spencer’s recommendation of Barry Walker for the Board.
    Commissioner Summerville recommended the appointment of Donald Woods, District 5, for the Water Authority Board.
    Appointments to the E-911 Board were as follows: Geraldine Thompson, District 1; Johnny L Isaac, District 4. The Commission tabled a request from the E-911 Board for emergency operating funds, since an amount had not been discussed and agreed upon.
    At the Commission’s work session, August 7, Mr. Johnny L. Isaac, Chairperson of E-911 Board, appealed to the county for financial assistance. According to Isaac, E-911 lost $100,000 when Greenetrack had to stop disbursements. “ The state provides approximately $2,100 per month and the county awards $30,000 per year. All these funds have been depleted,” Isaac said. He noted that E-911 does not generate funds and must keep employees on the job 24/7 with six full time and two part time persons. Isaac said that at this time the operations need about $800,000.
    The Commission approved, as a blanket, the following items proposed by the Engineering Department:
    * Solicitation for consultant/engineering proposals to address bridge scour.
    * CDBG reimbursement for $19,000.
    * Use of JM Woods Auction to action/sell four tractors and three dump trucks.
    * Sell four tractors and bush hogs and purchase four new tractors at additional cost of approximately $40,000, totaling $160,000.
    * Trade three dump trucks and purchase three new dump trucks at additional cost of approximately $10,000, totaling $30,000.
    The Commission acted on the following items requested by the Greene County Industrial Development Authority:

  • Commission approves increasing Water and Sewer Authority to five members

    The Greene County Commission met in regular session, Monday, July 8, 2024 with all Commissioners present. As discussed in the Commission’s work session, Wednesday, July 3, Attorney Mark Parnell presented a Resolution which allowed the Commission to enlarge the board of directors of the Greene County Water and Sewer Authority from three to five members. The approved Resolution also stated that the Commission is the appointing authority for said directors, and it will be the policy of the Commission to appoint directors to the Authority so that each director will reside in each Commission district.
    The three board members currently serving on the Water and Sewer Authority represent Districts 1, 3 and 4. The Commission approved the appointment of Andre Woods from District 2 to serve on the board, as recommended by Commissioner Tennyson Smith. Commissioner Roshanda Summerville moved to table her appointment from District 5. The Commission agreed.
    In other business the Commission acted on the following:
    * Approved the request from Judge Lillie Osborne to place a Key Pad on the District Judges’s offices.
    * Approved the contract with Cook Pest Control, with the initial service costing $180 and monthly services costing $85.
    Approved replacing up to five HVAC Units in the county courthouse facility.
    * Approved the financial reports and payment of claims for the period ending June 30, 2024, as presented by CFO Macaroy Underwood in the following: Accounts Payable totaled $353,618.92; Payroll Transfer totaled $298,124.79; Fiduciary totaled $76,969.55; Electronic Claims paid totaled $70,648.10. Citizen Trust Bank unrestricted funds totaled $2,980,810.15; restricted funds totaled $4,019,473.37. Merchant & Farmers Bank unrestricted funds (bingo funds) totaled $3,089,684.04; restricted funds totaled $1,589,214.19. Investments totaled $897,970.63.

  • Greene County PARA scheduled to reorganize under appropriate State Statue

    The Greene County Commission held a called meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, to discuss the status of Park and Recreation Authority (PARA). According to Commission Chairperson, Corey Cockrell, the Commission recently requested that the PARA Board take on the operation/supervision of the county’s golf course named for the late Dr. Robert Brown. In the course of the research of the official status of PARA, County Attorney Mark Parnell discovered that the Greene County PARA had two sets of Articles of Incorporation filed with the State of Alabama (2007 and 2018) and both were filed under the wrong State Statue. There were also different board members listed with each set of Articles filed.
    Seemingly, the Articles filed in 2018 were an attempt to alter the number of PARA board members. The current PARA Board Chairperson, W. Scott Smith, stated that it was difficult to conduct PARA affairs due to the board not having a quorum present at meetings.
    Attorney Parnell explained that the situation can be remedied. New Articles of Incorporation under the appropriate State Statue can be filed and the number of board members will be determined by the State Statue. “ There are particular steps to follow, including the resignation of current PARA board members and new appointments by the Commission in keeping with State Statue,” Parnell stated. He noted that the current board members may be considered for reappointment. Attorney Parnell indicated that he would prepare the process that must be followed and present the same to the County Commission and the PARA board and staff.
    The Commissioners and PARA personnel were in agreement with this.
    Commissioner Cockrell also stated that the PARA operations would be relocated to the Robert Brown Golf Course. “The county has sufficient property at the golf course site to put up the facilities PARA needs for its operations and activities. There is no need for PARA to be paying rent at other sites,” Cockrell said. He noted that the current facilities at the golf course will be upgraded and expanded. There was not a timeline set for when the move would occur.
    Commissioner Garria Spencer reminded everyone that there are great park facilities throughout the county. He recommended that PARA arrange to utilize these for its outdoor recreational activities.
    The Greene County PARA is supported by a .5 ad valorem millage. According to county records, PARA has received $91,000 since the start of the current fiscal year.

  • County Commission extends resurfacing roads project, approves local board appointments

    The Greene County Commission met in regular session, Monday, January 8, 2024 with all commissioners present. The Commission’s actions included approving resignations and appointments to county boards in various districts. Mr. Jimmy Hardy resigned from the Greene County Housing Authority and Mr. Joe Lee Powell resigned from the Greene County EMA Board. Subsequently, the commission approved the appointment of Powell to the Housing Authority of Greene County Board, representing District 3. Ms. Freddie Merriweather was appointed to the Greene County Hospital Board representing District 2. Ms. Mary Snoddy, District 1, Mr. Scott Smith, District 2 and Mr. Chris Stephney, District 4 were re-appointed to the PARA Board.

    The Commission approved the County Engineer’s request to extend the current CDBG Project which involves resurfacing various county roads. The time extension would allow the Public Works Department to complete paving the following roads identified in the project: Basketball Ln. October Ln., Country Ln., Curve Ln., Star Ln., Plum Ln., Sandy Way, Smoke Ln. and Brush Creek Cr.

    Other actions taken by the Commission included the following:

    * Approved County Rebuild Alabama Annual Report.

    *Approved workshop and conference travel requests for engineer and assistant engineer.

    The CFO, Mr. Macaroy Underwood presented the following financial report as of December 2023: Accounts payable – $895,235.05;Payroll Transfer – $372,525.02; Fiduciary – $49,144.70; Total – $1,387,435.09. Electronic Claims totaled $61,773.39. Unrestricted funds in Citizen Trust Bank, $2,302,253.54; restricted funds $3,402,198.44. Unrestricted funds in Merchants & Farmers Bank $3,129,181.57; restricted funds $5,938,923.66. Investments totaled $893,481.54.