The Jackson County Commission approved a new county-wide fiscal accountability policy, authorized equipment purchases for the Public Works and Solid Waste departments, and accepted a $500,000 state grant agreement for improvements to County Road 93 during its recent meeting.
Before the meeting began, commissioners amended the agenda to add two work session items: discussion of a proposed contract with MAC Mortuary Transport Services and an emergency management item related to FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for storm shelters being installed at county schools.
During public comments, Scottsboro resident Garry Morgan addressed the commission regarding garbage collection fees and the financial hardships faced by low-income residents.
Morgan asked whether the county has procedures in place to identify residents who are unable to pay garbage collection fees before cases reach court.
He encouraged the commission to make residents aware of any available options or assistance programs and questioned whether additional consideration should be given to those living below the federal poverty level.
Commission Chairman Bill Nance thanked Morgan for his comments and said the commission would review the concerns but would not provide answers during that meeting.
One of the meeting’s most significant actions was the adoption of Jackson County’s new fiscal accountability policy, which commissioners discussed during the previous work session.
The policy establishes uniform procedures governing the handling of county finances and administrative operations across all departments.
It covers purchase order approvals, contracts, opening accounts, accounts payable procedures, county credit cards, online purchasing, reimbursable funds, surplus property and competitive quote requirements.
Under the policy, the county administrator will oversee purchase order approvals and related fiscal activities.
If the administrator is unavailable, those responsibilities will fall to the assistant county administrator, followed by the commission chairman if necessary.
During discussion, Commissioner A.J. Buckner asked whether departments would have an appeals process if a purchase or request were denied by the county administrator.
Nance said the chairman has traditionally worked alongside the county administrator on those decisions and expressed concern that creating a formal appeals process could lead to unnecessary disputes over routine decisions.
Following discussion, commissioners unanimously approved the resolution.
Commissioners also approved purchasing a new asphalt compactor for the Public Works Department after county engineers recommended a 2026 Thompson CAT tandem vibratory compactor at a cost of $84,750.
County Engineer Jonathan Campbell explained the department tested several pieces of equipment before making its recommendation and determined the steel drum vibratory compactor was necessary to properly compact freshly laid asphalt.
“We have been in a renting position on this tool to continue paving,” Campbell explained, noting the department wanted to determine which equipment performed best before making the investment.
He added that proper compaction is essential to creating longer-lasting roads and improving pavement quality. Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase.
The commission also approved an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation allowing Jackson County to receive a $500,000 grant to assist with resurfacing County Road 93 from County Road 262 to County Road 91.
The funding comes through state public road and bridge funds. Any construction costs exceeding the grant amount will be covered by Jackson County.
Commissioners praised the project, noting County Road 93 has experienced years of slide repairs and deteriorating conditions.
Nance said the improvements will provide a much safer roadway for residents living on the north end of Sand Mountain and in the Long Island community.
Commissioners also noted new guardrails will be installed as part of the project, creating a safer route once construction is complete.
The agreement and accompanying resolution were approved unanimously.
The commission approved declaring three aging utility trailers as surplus equipment before authorizing the purchase of two replacement trailers for the Solid Waste Department.
The new 83-by-16-foot trailers will be purchased through John Deere at a cost of $4,200 each, for a total expenditure of $8,400.
Commissioners unanimously reappointed Commissioner Chris Gulley to represent Jackson County on the Association of County Commissions of Alabama Legislative Committee.
Nance thanked Gulley for his work during the previous year, noting the committee addressed several significant legislative issues affecting counties across Alabama.
During the work session, commissioners reviewed legislation allowing local governments to provide a one-time lump-sum bonus to eligible retirees.
County officials said approving the resolution at the commission’s July 27 meeting would allow the county to submit the required payment to the Retirement Systems of Alabama before the August 31 deadline.
According to county officials, approximately 140 retirees and beneficiaries would receive payments ranging from $120 to $590.
The payments would be issued separately from monthly retirement checks in October 2026. The estimated cost to the county is approximately $36,860.
Emergency Management Agency Director Josh Whitcomb explained that agreements with the state are needed before grant funds can be reimbursed to school systems constructing community storm shelters.
The five shelters will serve Woodville, Skyline, Section, Pisgah and North Sand Mountain schools.
Whitcomb reported site preparation is currently underway and said the shelters have already been manufactured. Once concrete pads are completed, installation is expected to begin within several weeks.
Commissioners plan to formally approve the agreements during their next meeting.
During closing comments, commissioners reflected on Independence Day celebrations and expressed appreciation for veterans, county employees and citizens.
Several commissioners also highlighted the progress being made on County Road 93, calling the long-awaited improvements a significant investment in the county’s transportation infrastructure.
By Heather Dohring
