Lester Black

The Commission addressed several operational matters. Key discussions included updates from the Road Department regarding road reclamation and brush cutting, and approval of personnel changes within the department, including accepting a resignation and approving new hires. Major equipment purchases were approved, including Caterpillar Motor Grader and Hydraulic Excavator units from Thompson CAT, and a Waste Oil Furnace awarded to CleanEnergy. The County Engineer presented resolutions for adopting new speed limits on CR 354 and CR 483, and establishing a "no parking zone" near DeSoto State Park, all of which were adopted. The Commission also adopted the FY2026 Amended County Transportation Plan, allocating significant funds for road rebuilds across all four districts via CRAF and FAEF programs. Personnel adjustments for the Sheriff's Office/Jail were approved, covering several new hires, transfers, and accepting resignations. Other approvals included hiring a sub-driver for Rural Public Transportation, approving the SeniorRx Drug assistance contract for FY26, updating the County Drug and Alcohol Policy to include restrictions on cannabis-based prescription medicines, adopting a resolution authorizing equipment finance for five Mack Trucks, authorizing the Long Term Detention Subsidy Contract with Coosa Valley Detention, and approving the 2026 Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday Resolution. A resolution honoring Ms. Traci Burt for 36 years of service was also adopted.

The DeKalb County Commission convened to discuss several key items. Representative Ginny Shaver announced the CR-173 paving project. The Road Department received approval to hire Robert McKinney as Tire Man and Parker Higgins. The Sheriff's Office was granted permission to terminate a CO and hire replacements, including a Jail Nurse. The Revenue Commission gained approval for personnel changes, including new hires and accepting a resignation. Additionally, the Commission approved hiring a Receptionist/Sales Tax Assistant. The 2025-26FY Budget was presented and adopted, which includes step raises, one-time payments to employees, and a reduction in family health insurance premiums.

The DeKalb County Commission meeting included updates from the Road Department regarding routine maintenance and a request to purchase a John Deere Backhoe. The Sheriff's Office requested and received approval for personnel changes, including resignations, transfers, promotions, and terminations. The Revenue Commission received approval to hire a Collections Clerk. An agreement between the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and the Center for Applied Forensics at Jacksonville State University for training and forensic services was approved. A resolution was adopted naming EMA Director Michael Posey and County Engineer Ben Luther as Co-Safety Coordinators.

The DeKalb County Commission meeting included updates from the Road Department on hauling chert, bush hogging, and patch truck operations, as well as the acceptance of Jeff Sayre's retirement and the transfer of Leon Welden to Crew Leader. The commission approved annual bid awards for various materials and services. They also approved the FY25-26 quotes for snow and ice removal. Personnel requests from the Sheriff's Office and Jail were addressed, including resignations, terminations, new hires, transfers, and promotions. The commission approved actions related to the Revenue Commission, including accepting a resignation, transferring and promoting an employee, and posting new positions. They also approved the transfer of Rodney Burt to Building Maintenance. The Mutual Aide Resolution and Agreement were rescinded and revised documents were approved. The EMA app transition was approved, and updates were given on CAD, Hazard Mitigation Planning, and School Safety Plan projects. The transfer of Lorrie Waycaster to HR/Payroll manager was approved. The commission adopted a resolution opposing legislative efforts to alter the SSUT program. Appointments were made to the Economic Development Board of Directors. A draft of the FY26 Budget was presented and reviewed.

The DeKalb County Commission convened to address various departmental updates and requests. The Road Department discussed routine maintenance, a road sinking issue in District 2, and the completion of tower access and parking lot paving. Approvals were granted for personnel transfers and hires within the Road Department, as well as the purchase of a Komatsu Grader. The FY2025 Amended and FY2026 County Transportation Plans were presented and approved, including an additional project on CR137. The Sheriff's Office received approval for personnel transfers, the purchase of a portable incinerator using Opioid funds, and various jail personnel requests and training authorizations. Additionally, the Commission adopted an RPT Grant Resolution and Agreement, approved the hiring of a new Fort Payne Senior Center Manager, and accepted the retirement of the Payroll/HR Manager.