The Greene County Commission met in its regular session, Monday, Dec. 14, 2020 with all commissioners in attendance. The agenda presented was approved with an addendum, offered by Commissioner Corey Cockrell, proposing that Bingo funds received by the county be separated from the country’s general funds and only spent when authorized by the County Commission. The proposal was approved.
The County Commission also agreed that any additional items and/or services related to addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, and approved by the state, would be purchased with advance funds available through the Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF). Once the county receives its CARES reimbursement, BBCF would be refunded the advance funds provided. This arrangement with BBCF allows the county to make needed purchases without tying up local funds or making other budget adjustments. To date, the county has expended approximately $220,000 in COVID related expenditures. Greene County has been allotted a total of $500,000 in CARES money.
BBCF, which raised these earmarked funds to assist local communities, has a similar arrangement with other county and municipal governments in its service area.
The commission approved a staggered schedule for county employees through the end of this calendar year. The county offices will remain open, but will serve citizens by appointment only.
County offices will be closed for the holidays on December 24 and 25, 2020 as well as on January 1, 2021.
The commission approved a one-time payment to employees at the rate of $300 for part-time employees and $550 for full time employees.
Commission Chairperson, Roshanda Summerville, announced the following commission committee appointments: Commissioner Lester Brown is assigned Education; Commissioner Corey Cockrell is assigned Highway and Solid Waste; Commissioner Allen Turner is assigned Public Safety and Health; Commissioner Tennyson Smith is assigned Industrial Development and Summerville is assigned to Personnel and Finance.
In other business, the commission acted on the following:
Tabled consideration of draft suit related to Commission vs Greene County Sheriff.
Approved extension of exemption application to January 18, 2021.
Approved engineer hiring additional staff for paving.
Approved hiring personal property clerk.
Approved match for 2021 HRRR Grant (Bridges without guardrails).
Approved modification of the 2020 HRR grant to include just two sites.
Approved three year participation plan for liability coverage renewal (related to bridges).
Approved advertising for solid waste driver.
Approved Red Cross Agreement, relative to county providing use of facility during disaster recovery assistance.
The County CFO, Macaroy Underwood presented the following bank balances as of November 20, 2020. Citizen Trust Bank – $3,848,524.22; Merchant & Farmers Bank – $2,845,573.19; Investments – $1.076,756.46. Bank of New York – Report not available.
Underwood reported the following claims paid for November: General Fund – $$86,999.60; Gasoline – $51,911.28; Appraisal Fund – $$1,098.93; Solid Waste – $17,942.41;
Senior Citizen Fund – $1,108.84; Federal match – $436.34. Electronic claims paid totaled $75,827.09.
Tag: the Greene County Commission
-
Commission adopts resolution citing sheriff’s failure to provide funds for specific departmental support
The Greene County Commission met in regular session on April 13, 2020, observing the emergency precautions directed by state and national government. The commissioners and staff were positioned approximately six feet apart and wore protective masks. The number of all in attendance was kept to the maximum of ten and visitors were also seated at required distances.
The commission adopted two resolutions: One resolution, dated April 13, 2020, regarded the notice of failure of the Greene County Sheriff Jonathan Benison to provide funds to the Greene County Commission as stated in an earlier resolution dated December 20, 2019 as amended. The commission is requesting that the sheriff make the sums set forth in Section 9 of the December 20, 2019 Resolution within five days of this notice, otherwise, the agreement is declared null and void, but all past due sums must be paid by the sheriff. The commission will adjust the sheriff’s budget accordingly.
Another resolution certified that all members of the Greene County Commission are in full support of the ad valorem tax resolution, dated April 13, 2020.
Dr. Marcia Pugh, CEO of the Greene County Health System, gave an update related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Greene County. She reported that as of April 13, there were 17 confirmed cases in Greene County. The hospital has one employee confirmed positive and the Nursing Home has two patients confirmed positive and are isolated.
Dr. Pugh also announced that on Wednesday, April 15, the Greene County Health Department would conduct testing for the virus by appointment only. The site would be opened from 10:00 a.m. to 12: noon. She also noted that the CDC is now recommending that everyone should wear a cloth face covering when out in public places.
Greene County EMA Director, Iris Sermon, gave an update local conditions. She stated that flood damage is ongoing and EMA has submitted all necessary documents. She reported that the recent storm only had a few trees and power lines down. No homes were reported damaged.
Sermon noted that the state is requesting that the county identify a mass burial site just in case it is needed. According to Sermon, the county coroner has a plan in place to evenly distribute bodies through the three local funeral homes if needed. She clarified that of the 17 positive COVID-19 cases reported for Greene County, two were erroneously attributed to Greene County.
In other business the commission acted on the following:
Approved garbage pickup for delinquent clients until Coronavirus Pandemic ends.
Approved dirt pit agreement with Don Wood.
Approved supplementary agreement with Goodwin, Mill and Cawood regarding bridge on County Road 69.
Approved financial report and payment of claims as follows: General Fund – $325,652.63;
Gasoline Fund – $223,907.17; Appraisal Fund – $10,633.65; Solid Waste – $27,0656.45; Senior Citizen Fund – $5,850.43; Federal Match – $109.09; Payroll Fiduciary – $33,818.14. Total of $627.036.56. Electronic Claims totaled $89,413.36.
The county’s bank balances as of March 20, 2020 are as follows: Citizen Trust Bank – $4,019,087.87; Merchants and Farmers Bank – $1,996,484.66; Bank of New York – $619,071.95 -
Wedgeworth seeks Probate Judge seat
I am Rolonda Martin Wedgeworth and I’m announcing my candidacy for Greene County Probate Judge. I’m 43 years old and I was born and raised in Greene County. I am a single parent of three children: Tracy Jr., Devante, and Aikyra Wedgeworth. My parents are Linda and Wilbert Martin of Union, Alabama. I am the oldest of four siblings. I am a 1992 graduate of Eutaw High School.
I am running for this position based on my years of experience. I have given 16 years of dependable, dedicated, and professional service to the Greene County Probate Office. I was hired in 2001 as a Tag Clerk and I have had the opportunity over the years to move up in the office to License Clerk and currently I am the Chief Clerk. My position requires me to supervise and manage all day to day activities. I work extremely close with the Probate Judge on a daily basis and I am her assistant during all elections. For a period of time, I filed Probate Court cases and I have also set up an election.I handle all checks and balances of accounts, recording of documents, and the reporting of all monies to the State Of Alabama, the Greene County Commission, etc. I also sell Tags, Driver’s Licenses, Conservation Licenses, Boat Licenses, Marriage Licenses, Privilege Licenses, etc. I do minor computer programming and set up so that the office can perform efficiently.
Over the years I have had the opportunity to work part-time in several other offices in the courthouse and I have even worked as a Corrections Officer at the old Greene County Jail.
My mission and overall goal for the Probate Office is to continue to offer and provide more services to our customers and to just improve the overall office experience for every citizen that comes in to do business. The thing that I have enjoyed the most about working in the office is interacting, laughing, and getting to know all the customers. I have gained so many extended family members working in the office. I love helping people and serving the public. I feel that I have gained the trust and respect of the citizens of this county based on my love for people and work ethic. As Probate Judge, I know that I would continue to provide the same dedicated and professional service to the citizens of this county.