The Jackson County Commission moved forward with several projects affecting county roads, public safety communications, equipment and local government operations during its August 10 meeting.
Among the most significant discussions was the county’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 County Transportation Plan, which will direct Rebuild Alabama and federal aid exchange funds toward road improvements throughout Jackson County.
County officials said the first phase of the plan will focus on County Road 43 and County Road 92, with both projects selected because they are among the roads that can move most quickly toward construction based on environmental requirements and existing right-of-way.
The projects are part of a larger effort involving nine county roads identified for improvements over the next several years.
Commissioners emphasized that the roads were selected because of their high incidence of crashes involving injuries or fatalities.
County Engineer Jonathan Campbell explained that the projects will include improvements such as wider shoulders, pavement markings, rumble strips, center-line markings where appropriate and additional signage.
The goal is to bring the roads closer to the safety standards motorists see on state routes.
One of the projects includes more than seven miles of roadway, and commissioners pointed out that County Road 43 has become increasingly important as traffic patterns have changed, particularly with construction along Interstate 59.
The county’s transportation plan must be approved by Aug. 31.
Once approved, the plan will be made available at the county commission office, highway department and other designated locations, as well as on the county’s website.
Officials said plans are currently being developed with the goal of having the first projects ready to bid in the fall, although environmental reviews remain a key part of the timeline.
The commission also discussed the county’s ongoing transition to asphalt paving on local roads.
County officials said the investment in asphalt paving equipment has allowed county employees to handle more of the paving work themselves rather than relying entirely on outside contractors.
County Road 184 was cited as an example of the progress being made, with county crews working on the road for the third time this year.
Officials praised the county’s public works employees for learning to operate the new equipment and said the investment should result in a longer-lasting product and better use of county funds.
The commission also discussed surplus equipment, including a portable radio tower purchased by the county’s Emergency Management Agency approximately five years ago for $1,500.
EMA Director Josh Whitcomb explained that the tower has been evaluated by subject-matter experts, who estimated that bringing the equipment back into usable condition could cost at least $30,000.
Rather than spend the money to repair the portable tower, the county is considering surplusing it and donating it to the Jackson County Amateur Radio Club for use as a permanent tower.
The tower itself is structurally sound, officials said, but its hydraulics, cables and generator require significant work.
The Amateur Radio Club could use the tower as part of its emergency communications network.
County officials said amateur radio operators provide backup communications during emergencies and severe weather when conventional communication systems may fail.
The proposed donation would serve a public purpose by strengthening Jackson County’s emergency backup communications capabilities.
The commission also approved a contract with BMSS to provide accounting assistance to Jackson County as the county prepares financial statements and works through its 2025 and 2026 financial information.
The firm’s scope of work includes general accounting assistance, preparation of financial statements and supporting schedules, approved general ledger entries, organized financial information for audit preparation and assistance with reconciliations and other information requested during the audit process.
The services will be billed according to hourly rates based on the personnel assigned to the work.
The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 24 in the county conference room.
