By Sherri Blevins
The DeKalb County Commission met on June 14, 2022. District 1 Commissioner Shane Wootten, absent for several meetings due to health concerns, returned to his seat at the table and made an opening statement. Wootten said, “I would like to say it’s good to be back. I have been out a few times for medical issues, but I want to thank everyone who called and checked on me, sent a card, or showed concern. I especially want to thank all the department heads who have kept me updated with things. I thank Mr. Harcrow, Mr. Sharp, and Mr. Broyles for being exceedingly helpful in updating me with all the goings-on at the Commission. This allowed me to fulfill my duties while I was at home. Thank you all for what you have done, but especially you three, who have kept me up to date and helped me through this process. I am especially glad to be back.”
County Commission President Rickey Harcrow welcomed Wootten back and said they were especially glad to have him back.
Next, Road Superintendent Tom Broyles updated the audience on his department’s progress. Broyles said that all four crews were still working on the paving projects for this year. He said they have a list of roads to be resurfaced, and they have a few that will be new paves. Broyles added that the contractor has already completed extensive work in District 3 and some in some other districts. As the County Road Crews prepare roads for paving, they update the list to the contractor so that he can begin moving materials to needed sites.
Broyles reported that work continues on County Road 835, and the department has made good progress but still has much more to do. Broyles said, “We can kinda see the light at the end of the tunnel on this project. We added base material to the road last week to allow the trucks to pass all the way up or down.” Broyles said that unless they hit some type of disaster, by the end of this month, they should be ready to turn the project over to the paving and guardrail contractors.
The Road Department had several personnel changes. Broyles asked the Commission to accept the resignations of James Traylor, Don Harcrow, Allen Hughes, and Tracy Turner. He also asked the Commission to hire William King, Blake Farmer, and Steven Guffey. The Commission honored his requests.
Sheriff Nick Weldon had several personnel requests too. Seven employees were hired during the meeting. Troy Brown and Austin Peppers were hired as full-time deputies; Clay Monroe was hired as a full-time investigator; Christie Glass was hired full-time, and Andy Harriston was hired as a part-time dispatcher. Five transfers were approved – Cameron Maddox from full-time dispatcher to full-time corrections officer; Seth Cagle from full-time investigator to Chief Jailer; part-time deputy Eric Tidmore to full-time deputy; SRO Paul Bell to investigator; Investigator Wesley Greeson to SRO Sargeant. Four individuals received promotions. Captain Brad Edmondson was promoted to Chief Deputy. Lieutenant Gary Brown was promoted to Captain, and Sargeant Jerry Fortner was promoted to Lieutenant. Deputy Cale Woodall was promoted to Sargeant. Four people also resigned. They were Deputy Andy Brown, Deputy Michael Little, Chief Jailer David Smith, and Chief Deputy Brad Greg.
Emily McCamy, Director of the Public Transportation and Council on Aging, requested the Commission approve the RPT Resolutions and hire Joann Carter as Nutrition Coordinator. Both requests were granted.
The Commission also approved the following items:
• 2022 Lump Sum Retiree Payment Resolution
• 2022 Back to School Sales Tax Holiday
• 2022 Arrow Disposal Exemption List
• Three Water Projects Resolutions from Districts 2, 3, 4, and an Implementation Plan
• ABM Energy Savings Project
The next meeting will be on July 12, 2022.