County recognizes employees

Clarion Top News

Thursday, 03 August 2023 14:58

At the recent Jackson County Commission meeting, Chairman Bill Nance began by recognizing County employees with service awards. The first was Darryl Kennedy, who has served Jackson County for 20 years. Kennedy began working for the County as a driver/collector at Solid Waste. Nance also recognized Blake Johnson. Johnson has served Jackson County for 10 years as a jailer. Johnson currently serves as a Sergeant at the Jackson County Jail.
In new business, Nance explained that there had been a transfer of $180,000 from the General Fund to Public Works for Jackson County’s portion of County Road 74. Nance explained that in addition, grant funding in the amount of $380,000 was received and was not a part of the original budget. Nance stated that those funds would be recorded as revenue in the amount of $560,000 and listed under contract service expenses. The motion was approved.

The last item on the new business was the motion to approve Rebuild Alabama and federal aid fund selections for fiscal year 2024. These projects include County Road 14, County Road 314, County Road 47, County Road 77, County Road 58 and County Road 21. The motion was approved. Nance thanked the County Engineer Jonathan Campbell for the work put into the program.
During the work session Chief Corrections Deputy Hal Nash spoke regarding the Jackson County Jail. Nash explained that ViaPath is the organization that they contract inmate communications through. Currently, the contract with ViaPath is set to expire in July 2024. A proposal from ViaPath has been received, for a two year extension. A part of the extension would include a payment to the county of over 10 percent above the current commission rate, without increasing the charges to the inmates. ViaPath has also agreed to award a grant in the amount of $50,000 to the Jackson County Jail, with no stipulations.

Sheriff Rocky Harnen addressed Commissioners regarding a Law Enforcement Memorial, sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police. Harnen asked for permission to place the memorial on the west side of the Jackson County Courthouse. The memorial would be for every law enforcement agency in Jackson County and would memorialize all police officers in the county who have given their lives in the line of duty. Upon funds being raised, the Commission will again hear the proposal and vote to approve or deny a resolution allowing the memorial.

Jackson County Engineer Jonathan Campbell spoke regarding an access management policy. The policy would be for storm drains and culverts that would meet county roads and would require a free permit to be issued.

Campbell requested to surplus two pick-up trucks and replace two pick-up trucks. A motion to set aside the rules was approved to proceed with the surplus and purchase of two pick- up trucks.

Commissioner AJ Buckner spoke regarding the remarkable job done by the employees of Jackson County Jail, Sanitation, Public Works and all employees of the County and the improvements each department is making.

Commissioner Chris Gulley thanked all employees of Jackson County and especially thanked those employees who have made a long term commitment with the county.

by Heather Dohring