By Sherri Blevins
The DeKalb County Commission once again prospered from selling its used vehicles when the items entered the sale auction. For the past twenty-two years, the DeKalb County Road Department has built a reputation for presenting used vehicles in excellent condition for resale benefitting both the buyers and the County. The most recent sale added $1.2 million to the department’s account to buy more equipment. Commission President Harcrow said that the County still hasn’t had to pay for a new truck in twenty-two years because of the program.
Road Superintendent Broyles said his department continued its patchwork and preparation work for the roads slated for repaving. He added that the new trucks the department was waiting on still haven’t arrived, and no date had been given for when they would.
County Engineer Luther had three requests for the Commission. First, he asked that the County Road 78 Guardrail Bid Award go to Alabama Guard Rail at the cost of $97,940.00. This area is near Fort Payne Gap and Third Street. Secondly, he asked the Commission to award IVM Solutions the bid of $129,600.00 for two rounds of herbicide treatments across the County. Finally, he requested the Commission to approve a partial vacation of County Road 196 in the Dawson area. The Commission approved all three requests.
Several personnel changes occurred within the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office and County Jail. Michael Little was hired as a part-time security guard at the DeKalb County Court House, and Heaven Traylor as a part-time dispatcher. The Commission accepted the resignations of Administrative Assistant Christina Cronnon, Celeste Ragan, Officer Brian Freeman, Officer Shawn Rehm, and Officer Justin Bryan. The Commission hired Sarah Williams and Regina West.
The Commission agreed to terminate the inmate feeding contract with Arrowmark Food Service and award the bid to Kellwell Food Management.
County Administrator Sharp asked the Commission to approve the CD Resolution authorizing President Harcrow and himself to negotiate with financial institutions for the best interest rates for the County’s CDs. They agreed.
The SRT Grant Bid for $25,318.23 for special response team headsets was approved. Earlier, the Commission approved adding a storm shelter to the Cartersville area, but the land they chose for the location was not stable for the shelter; therefore, the Commission approved the purchase of three acres of land beside the Ider Fire Department for the shelter’s location.
President Harcrow made two requests. First, he asked the Commission to replace Christopher Watkins (who resigned) from the Top of Alabama Regional Housing Authority Board with Arlan Blevins to serve on the Board until 2025. Secondly, he explained that several DeKalb County seniors living near the Marshall County line would benefit greatly if the Albertville Housing Authority had permission to cross County lines and offer housing assistance to nearby residents. The Commission agreed to approve the Albertville Housing Authority Resolution.
The Commission will meet again on May 9, 2023.