Jason Bennett

The Barbour County Commission has established a policy regarding driveway and sidedrain pipe installations on county rights-of-way. The policy outlines the procedure for citizens to request driveway installations or extensions, including contacting the Barbour County Road Department for assessment and pipe size determination, supplying the correct pipe, and paying the appropriate installation fee. The policy also specifies driveway specifications for both residential and commercial driveways, including minimum and maximum lengths, acceptable materials, and associated fees. The commission reserves the right to refuse driveway installation to any site that is impractical, cost prohibitive, or unsafe due to roadway geometry.

The Barbour County Commission addressed citizen concerns regarding speeding and road signs on Pleasant Hill Road. Proclamations were presented for Crime Victim's Rights Week, Community College Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Two Lights for Tomorrow Day. The commission approved the lease renewal with the State of Alabama DHR, authorized the EMA Director to apply for a grant for weather radios, and decided to solicit bids for landfill closure and construction. They also approved changing the internet server provider at the Clio Senior Center and authorized contracts with municipalities for the use of county voting equipment. Changes were made to the public input form, the solid waste contract with Meridian Waste, Inc. was authorized to be cancelled, and the Old Eufaula Courthouse property was declared as surplus. The commission also authorized soliciting bids for jail pharmaceuticals and tabled the appointment to the Mount Andrew Water Authority until the next meeting.

The meeting included discussions on the condition of Farmer Road and a proposed contract for the County Engineer, though an amendment to approve the contract was not carried. The election of the Commission Chairman and Vice Chairman for FY 26 resulted in Jerry McGilvray and Eric Pomeroy being selected, respectively. Walter Calton was appointed as County Attorney for FY 26. All banks in Barbour County were named as depositories for the County Treasury and the Revenue Commission for FY 2026. The commission also addressed the renewal of Bid 2026-05 Plant Mix, awarded Bid 2026-06 for Project Number RA-BCP-03-320-25 Caraway Road to APAC, Alabama, Inc, and adopted Resolution 2026-01 authorizing the 2026 Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday. Eric Pomeroy was appointed to the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning & Development Commission, and a committee was formed to discuss the sale of the old Eufaula Courthouse. A discussion was held regarding the annual 2% longevity pay increase.

The Barbour County Commission held a special meeting to discuss and act on several key items. The commission awarded a bid for aggregate and renewed bids for unleaded gasoline, high sulfur off-road diesel, and propane gas. They authorized the closure of county offices at the Clayton and Eufaula Courthouses for employee substance abuse training. Presentations were given for inmate medical services, and the commission reviewed a proposal for an inmate health insurance program. The FY 2026 budget was approved, with allocations from various funds.

The Barbour County Commission meeting included discussions on various topics such as exterior lighting for the Eufaula Courthouse, Barbour County and regional economic development, and board appointments. The commission also addressed cleaning the carpet at the Eufaula Courthouse, the administrator assistant position, bids for Rocky Mount Road and County Road 20 projects, security cameras for the County Shop, and increasing petty cash at the landfill. Solid waste issues were discussed, leading to the formation of a committee to provide recommendations. Additionally, the meeting covered the Clayton Courthouse repairs, time clocks and GPS tracking devices, and janitorial staff training.