Stephanie Franklin

The meeting commenced with a presentation regarding Rural Transportation advertisements. Key actions included approving a resolution to recess for a Work Session and subsequently another resolution to call the meeting back to order. The Consent Agenda, approved in a single motion, covered the approval of the proposed agenda, financial transactions for November 2025, and the awarding of several bids for vehicle procurement (Ford Expedition, Aggregate). The consent agenda also included approvals for hiring a new Equipment Operator, placing two individuals in new Dispatcher positions in the Sheriff's Office (with costs reimbursed by the City of Gadsden), and placing one individual in a Deputy Sheriff position. Furthermore, approvals were granted to declare specific Road Department equipment and surplus office equipment as non-essential. Significant budget amendments were approved for Jail -- Outside Medical Services and for Housing Federal Inmates, adjusting revenues and expenditures within the General Fund. Finally, the first readings for the reappointment of one member and the appointment of another to the Etowah Gadsden Healthcare Authority Board of Directors were conducted. Commissioners provided updates on Mental Health housing initiatives and expressed appreciation for volunteer fire department efficiency and courthouse security.

The Etowah County Commission meeting included a request for sponsorship from Coosa Riverkeepers. A Certificate of Service was presented to Kevin Dollar for 20 years with the County. The commission recessed for a work session and then reconvened. The consent agenda was approved, which included letting new bids for Bituminous Surface Treatment, Traffic Stripe and Pavement Markers, and In Place Plant Mix. A full-time Investigator slot was added in the Investigations Division of the Sheriff's Office. Budget amendments were approved for the Buyback -- Vacation, Sick, PTO, and Comp Time, the SEEDS Grant, the General Fund using ARPA Revenue Loss Funds, and Engineering -- Computer Server. An OPIOID Grant Program was established, and an Independent Contractor Agreement for Opioid Funding Management was approved.

The Etowah County Commission convened for a meeting that included reports from the Extension office staff. The commission approved several items on the consent agenda, such as financial transactions, the creation of a new Maintenance Coordinator position, various personnel actions within the Sheriff's Office, and the reappointment of a member to the Coosa Valley Youth Services Board of Directors. They also approved county levies for new ABC license types, a resolution to protect the county's interest in the Simplified Seller Use Tax (SSUT) Litigation, and agreements for GPS tracking devices for the Engineering Department and for the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. Additionally, the commission approved an ABC License Application and a resolution to vacate a portion of Arling Place. Discussions by commissioners included the Unity Tree lighting event and support for the SSUT.

The meeting included a presentation to Commissioner Joey Statum for 15 years of service. Meridian Waste announced open top containers for residential cleanup. The Commission approved participation in the Traffic Enforcement Agreement, designated River Bank and Trust as the depository for the Probate Office operating funds, and appointed Mark Campbell to the Highland Water Authority Board of Directors. The 2026 Holiday Schedule was approved, along with an agreement between the City of Southside and Etowah County Commission regarding street resurfacing. The Debris Removal Monitoring Services contract was awarded to Thompson Consulting Services, LLC. A proposal from Sain Associates was accepted for the Etowah County Safer Streets and Roads for All Safety Action Plan. Two Unclassified Positions of EMA Deputy Director / Operations and EMA Planning / Public Information Officer were approved. A one-time pay increase was approved for Chief Josh Morgan, Etowah County Sheriff's Office. The declaration of a piano as surplus and budget amendments for the General Fund -- Industrial Development were also approved.

The Etowah County Commission meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. Richard Rybka from Coosa Riverkeeper requested sponsorships for their programs and encouraged survey participation regarding the Coosa River's economic impact. The commission approved items on the consent agenda, including the letting of new bids for a Ford Expedition and Aggregate, awarding bids for Janitorial Supplies and Filters, and hiring personnel for various positions. Budget amendments were approved for the ARPA Fund, General Fund, and SEEDS Grant. Additionally, the commission discussed an ABC License Application and Megasite access, and the creation of an ESU.