Susan Shorter

The commission held a meeting to address several administrative and operational matters. Key actions included the approval of tree cutting services at the county jail, modifications to the Mapping and Appraisal Clerk job description, the appointment of an interim safety director, and various budget amendments for senior center and road fund projects. Proclamations were presented for Crime Victim's Rights Week, Community College Month, Child Abuse Prevention Month, Extension Week, and the America 250! Initiative. The commission also authorized an agreement for a contraband interdiction project, approved the dedication of a portion of County Road 79, authorized the sale of the old Eufaula Courthouse, and appointed a new director for the Clayton Senior Center. Several appointments were tabled for a future meeting.

The commission discussed hiring procedures and the hiring of Phyllis Phillips. A motion was passed to correct an online job posting, allow for a one-week application period, and subsequently authorize the hiring of the candidate at an annual rate of $62,500.00.

The meeting agenda includes reports from staff, public comments from elected officials, and a presentation of the 2026 Barbour County Queens. Key business items involve awarding bids for multiple road projects, approving change orders for the Jail ARPA project, addressing business personal property collections, and disposing of surplus assets. Further requests include temporary staffing for the Probate Office, applying for an RC&D grant for weather radios, and committee appointments. The agenda also features discussions on budget matters, board appointments to SARCOA and the DHR Board, and a request for memorial signage, alongside executive sessions to discuss property matters and general reputation.

The Commission addressed several public input items, including a family burial plot request and the purchase of property for a new E-911 Communications Center. Key actions included the adoption of the Barbour County Floodplain Development Ordinance, approval of the fiscal year 2025 County Rebuild Annual Report, and salary adjustments for Highway Department employees. Various appointments were made to the Personnel Board, the DHR Board, and the Southeast Alabama EMS Council. Furthermore, the Commission authorized the purchase of janitorial products, approved a three-year inmate medical services agreement with QCHC, finalized an overtime agreement with the Alabama Department of Corrections, and updated job descriptions with FLSA classifications. The meeting also addressed old business, such as awarding a carpet cleaning contract for the Eufaula Courthouse.

The Commission addressed public input regarding aquatics, a ride-share business, and a family burial plot request. Key business included the approval of the 2026-2027 County Alcohol License Fee Levy and the FY 26 CLEM Salary Supplement Grant. The Commission rejected bids for a heat pump due to errors and approved a new bid for the Eufaula Courthouse. Several items were tabled, including the purchase of a split unit for the Clio Senior Center and a DHR Board appointment. The commission made a regional planning board appointment, authorized road maintenance at Old Creek Town Park, and performed solid waste account corrections. Additionally, the commission hired a Solid Waste Compliance Officer, modified the job description for a mapping and appraisal clerk, approved a family burial plot request, and authorized the hiring of a temporary probate clerk. Finally, the commission debated and ultimately authorized a $40 per hour pay rate for deputies working on a Department of Corrections Contraband Interdiction Project.