DeKalb County Commission Meeting
By Sherri Blevins
The DeKalb County Commission meeting, occurred on Tuesday, September 24, 2019. Representatives from several groups addressed the commission. DeKalb County Homemakers Club President, Kristine Ashley, reported on the club’s accomplishments for the past year. As a result of the club’s charitable work, the DeKalb County Commission proclaimed the second week of October as DeKalb County Homemakers Week. DeKalb County Commission President Harcrow and several other commissioners commended the group on their members’ dedication to their mission. Harcrow stated, “I don’t know any other organization in the county that puts more effort into what they do than you do.”
Mr. Bozeman, a representative from the Food Bank of North Alabama described the plight of many senior citizens in DeKalb County and statewide. He stated that there is a large number of seniors in DeKalb County living at the poverty level lacking enough money to buy food for the month. Bozeman explained the help available to seniors offered by the Commodities Supplemental Federal Program (CSFP). He reported that currently the CSFP is serving 500 people. Each month, participants receive a box containing grains, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, jelly, a protein, canned fruit and vegetables, juices, and cheese. This box is in addition to any other supplemental food the participant receives. Council on Aging (COA) Director McCamy explained later in the meeting how the COA is partnering with the Food Bank of North Alabama to register seniors for CSFP. She said all seven DeKalb County Senior Centers would offer applications for the program beginning in November. To be eligible to receive a monthly box, seniors must be 60 or older and meet the poverty guidelines listed below:
$1,354.00 (one person) monthly income
$1,832.00 (two people)
$2,311.00 (three people)
$2,790.00 (four people)
Add $479.00 for each additional family member
EMA Assistant Director Posey presented the first Safety Team Award on behalf of the DeKalb County Safety Committee to DeKalb County Employee Danny Wilborn, who during his normal workday, took heroic and lifesaving steps to aid an individual in a life-threatening situation. Mr. Wilborn described the event that led to the award to the commission. The commissioners extended their thanks and congratulations to Mr. Wilborn for his lifesaving efforts.
The commission then acted on the following items:
- Approved the Truck Lease Resolution
- Hired Terry Wadsworth for the County Road Department District 3
- Reposted a job opening for the County Road Department District 2
- Approved the ALDOT Snow and Ice Removal Quote
- Agreed to the High-Risk Rural Roads (HRRR) Concurrence of $49,110.82 to accompany the Federal Grant money of $161,955.82 issued for guard rail replacement
- Approved the Annual Bid Awards
- Approved the retirement of Scott Tarrant as DeKalb County Investigator after twenty-five years of service
- Hired Katie Little as Dispatch for the Sheriff’s Office
- Hired Baley Hall as Jail Officer
- Transferred Pricilla Pageant from School Resource Officer (SRO) to Investigator for the Sheriff’s Department
- Transferred Zack Aldridge from Jail Transport to SRO
- Transferred Steven Berry from Patrol Officer to Jail Transport
- Transferred Adam Jackson from Corrections Officer to Deputy Sheriff and approved necessary training at the Sheriff’s Academy
- Approved the 2020 Budget which is an increase of $2,000,000.00 over 2019
- Appointed Ashley Rosson, Scott Wynn, and Deborah Pitts to the Board of Equalization
- Set October 8 as the next meeting date
The DeKalb County Commission meeting was then adjourned.