John M. Bullard

The special called meeting addressed several new business items. The Commission considered and approved an agreement with CNI to provide billing services for the water and sanitation departments. Another item regarding an agreement with Payment Processor for payment processing services for water and sanitation was postponed due to the lack of finalized pricing information. The Commission approved a quote from Cullman Electric Cooperative to supply electricity for the Cullman County Sheriff's Office range, with the Sheriff's department reimbursing half of the cost. Furthermore, the state of emergency for winter weather was considered for termination, and an interim board member, identified as Brittney Harren, was appointed to replace the parts director on the tourism bureau during his leave for campaigning.

The meeting commenced with a call to order, roll call, invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance. New Business included considering the surplus and auction of ten 2025 Kenworth T880 triaxle Dump Trucks and several other vehicles (2005 Ford Taurus, 2012 Ford F-150, 2008 Ford F-450). A recognition was given for James Ballenger's retirement from the Sanitation Department. Resolutions addressed the vacation of County Road 1465, changing the speed limit on County Road 1336 to 30 mph, relocating voting Precinct 30, applying for ALDOT funding for County Road 1659, and approving a Tax Abatement for Project Scoreboard. Other actions involved authorizing the Airport Director to negotiate an avigation easement, signing an agreement with the North Alabama Highway Safety Office, reappointing a member to the Regional Housing Authority Board, signing an Inmate Communications Systems agreement, ratifying the purchase of a unit for the Cullman Senior Center, considering opening a Water Department account, authorizing a church to use the Courthouse parking lot, considering options for Catastrophic Inmate Medical costs, considering a quote for security doors for Judges, reviewing a proposed plat for KB Haven Subdivision, and extending a fireworks bid to Pyro Shows of Alabama, Inc.

The meeting covered several key agenda items. Business included the approval of previous minutes from January 22, 2026, and February 10, 2026, along with personnel actions and payroll approvals. Public comments were heard. New business involved several resolutions: vacating county road 1465, changing the speed limit on Kenn Road 1336 to 30 mph, relocating voting precinct 30, and applying for ALDOT Rebuild Alabama Act funding for County Road 1659. The Commission also approved a tax abatement for Project Scoreboard, involving a $10 million investment and the creation of 15 jobs. Other items included authorizing a contract for an irrigation easement, signing a highway safety office agreement, reappointing a member to the Regional Housing Authority board, approving an inmate communication systems agreement, ratifying the purchase of an HVAC unit for the Senior Center, authorizing a bank account opening for the water department, and approving use of the courthouse parking lot for Reach Week by North Brook Church. Finally, the Commission approved the annual catastrophic insurance premium.

The meeting commenced with establishing a quorum and a prayer, followed by the pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the approval of prior meeting minutes and personal actions/payroll. Public comments featured a lengthy statement from a resident regarding being allegedly threatened with arrest by the District Attorney for exercising his right to free speech while holding a sign, with Commissioners expressing support for his right to lawful protest. The Commission passed proclamations designating January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and recognizing America's 250th Anniversary (Semiquincentennial). The body approved requests regarding Alabama Watchdogs protests, changing a speed limit on County Road 57, and ratified the purchase of multiple Chevrolet Silverado vehicles for various departments, despite one dissenting vote concerning trim levels. An extension for NAVCO's tax abatement agreement was approved due to project delays involving specialized equipment. Furthermore, the Commission declared a state of emergency due to predicted weather and authorized the Chairman to sign a contract with Lumis Brothers Circus. Finally, the fiscal year 2025 County Rebuild Alabama Report was approved, detailing expenditures on road projects.

The meeting included an invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by approvals of minutes, appropriations, expenditures, and payroll. The commission recognized James Arnold, Judy Bradford, Jois Eckles, James Rolo, and Lydia Smith for their years of service upon their retirement. Approvals were made for participation in the Alabama Interlocal Mutual Aid Agreement and intervention as a defendant in the simplified sellers use tax litigation. The commission ratified the purchase of sanitation trucks and approved grant applications for the Alabama Mutual Aid System and radio upgrades for the sheriff's office. Further discussions included a request for restroom renovations at the public library, organizational chart changes, and revisions to the Employee Handbook. Agreements were considered for a safety action plan project and renewal of insurance. The commission also reviewed leases, appointed members to the library board and revolving loan fund board, and addressed dues and matching requests. Purchases of equipment for the detention center and EMA, manufactured part model cabins, and a vehicle for the water department were also considered. Quotes for metal buildings and underwater imaging were reviewed, and payment was authorized for mud creek cleanup. The commission also discussed moving tax accounts to a new bank, closing the courthouse on a designated day, and extending bids for concrete, metal pipe, and various oils. Bids were also approved for asphalt, traffic signs and striping, and plastic pipe.