During the recent Jackson County Commission meeting, the Revenue Commissioner’s abatement of litigations was approved. Kevin McBride, District 4 Commissioner, abstained from voting. The abatement was not required to be approved by the Commission, but was upon the request of Jackson County Revenue Commissioner, Jeff Arnold.

A maintenance and security agreement between Jackson County and the State of Alabama Department of Conservation was approved. The agreement includes a stipulation in which the Department of Conservation agrees to construct a boat ramp facility at Mud Creek. The facility will be named Mud Creek North Public Boat Ramp. The agreement also included a stipulation in which Jackson County will be responsible for utilities, maintenance and security at Mud Creek, Mud Creek North Public Boat Ramp and the Langston Boat Ramp. The Department of Conservation will reimburse Jackson County for non-routine maintenance expenditures of up to $75,000 per facility per year. The agreement, which will end in March 2050, was approved unanimously.

The Jackson County Director of Maintenance, Colby Gann, asked for a six-month extension to be approved for a temporary employee within his department. The extension will allow Andrew Markwell’s employment to be extended. Gann stated that Markwell is an excellent employee. Jackson County Commission Chairman Bill Nance mentioned that Markwell’s work will bridge the period during the administration’s move from the Jackson County Courthouse to the Jackson County Courthouse Annex. District 3 Commissioner, AJ Buckner, asked if there was enough money in the budget to cover the extension and Gann said there was. The commission approved Markwell’s extension unanimously.

A motion to allow Nance, as Chairman of the Commission, authority to approve expenditures from the general fund which pertain to the burial of qualified deceased individuals according to Alabama Code 38-8-2 at the request of the probate judge was heard. The amount spent would not exceed the lowest available cost by the mortuary or transportation for such services. The motion was unanimously approved.

During the Commission’s work session, Jackson County Park Director, Douglas Parrish, requested for the commission to consider the purchase of a lawn mower and the surplus and sale of the oldest mower in the department. Parrish provided the commission with several quotes and stated it was a necessary purchase to keep up with the warranty and eliminate down time. Parrish recommended the lowest quote which was for a John Deere Z930 from a local dealer. The commission will vote on the decision at the next meeting. Buckner questioned if there was any value in keeping the mower for parts. Parrish stated he did not see any advantage in keeping it because the mowers rarely break down, and the availability of parts should not be an issue.

Ross Boydston, Jackson County IT Director, then updated to the commission about the purchase of security cameras for the Jackson County Courthouse Annex and the replacement of outdated cameras for the courthouse. Boydston said he didn’t have any finalized prices but should have those in the near future. He said 28 cameras would be needed at the annex and the courthouse would need to replace 25 in order to be compliant to federal standards. He said a new server would be needed as well. Boydston stated the cost could be between $20,000 and $25,000 at the annex and between $17,000 and $25,000 for the courthouse. Boydston said they looked at AI cameras for the doors as a means to make searching for people easier. Buckner suggested that all department come together to discuss security needs. Nance requested that a firm price be presented before the commission.

Jackson County Solid Waste Direct, Caleb Skipper, addressed software replacement for garbage trucks. Skipper stated that the current software comes at a cost of $7,600 per year, and the updated software would cost $16,800 per year. Skipper explained that the new system will cover billing, notes and dispute assistance. Buckner questioned if the software would take workload off of the office. Skipper said it wouldn’t, but it would answer a lot of unanswered questions like if garbage wasn’t picked up. Skipper stated the software will save money through the reduction of extra trips.

Jackson County Administrator, Matthew Hamrick, updated the commission on the budget. Hamrick stated that some revenue received in April was not listed on the report for Funds 100 and 116. Hamrick stated, “The bottom line is we’re on track.”

The commission will meet again on May 27.