County prepares for courthouse annex

Clarion Top News

Thursday, 14 December 2023 10:36

During the recent Jackson County Commission meeting, Commissioners discussed and approved several items.Commissioners approved the signing of a post-retirement employment contract between Mapping and Appraisal and Johnny Green. Green will work as an exempt part-time employee.
A motion to approve and sign ADEM grant agreements in the amount of $450,000 for Jackson County Public Works’ storm water projects was approved.

Commissioners discussed a request for funding for airport projects. The airport recently received a $140,000 grant that requires a 25% match, totaling approximately $35,000. The City of Scottsboro will provide $10,000 and Industrial Development Board funds will be used to fund the remainder required.

A motion to approve and sign the efficiency consultant contract was also approved. The comprehensive efficiencies contract will provide the county with efficiency projects throughout Public Works, Sanitation and will also include county-wide maintenance efficiency costs. The total contract is in the amount of $45,000.

Commissioners went directly into a work session following the meeting.

Kevin Baugh with JMR+H spoke regarding the 65% design for courthouse structural repairs and the Liberty Lane Courthouse Annex.

Baugh reported that the final floor plan and layout for Liberty Lane will include updated lighting and energy efficient features, among other things. Jackson County Probate Court, Jackson County Extension Services, Jackson County Drivers License offices, Jackson County Mapping and Appraisal and Jackson County Community Action will be housed in the Annex. The cost of the project is approximately $2.2 million.

Baugh also spoke about the Jackson County Courthouse structural repairs and the addition of ADA compliant restrooms for the Courthouse. The project will cost approximately $1.2 million.
Both projects are expected to take approximately one year to complete.

The Jackson County Coroner mortuary transport service was also discussed. It was announced that bid packages were requested and no bids were received. Bids were then sent out to several local services. Mac Mortuary Transport from Guntersville sent in a bid. After reviewing the bid Coroner John David Jordan requested that the bid clarify that mileage would be charged only for loaded miles and that the county provide their own body bags. Jordan also reminded Commissioners that city police departments and the Jackson County Sheriff’s office provide their own transports in the event of a criminal case. The item will be further discussed at a work session at a later date.

The Jackson County Park need for dock repairs was also discussed. A quote from a local contractor was received. The quotes included four options with variations in size, material to be used and amount of work to be done. The quote also included a handicapped accessibility option. Currently two docks need to be demolished and seven need to be repaired. The quotes ranged from $617,000 for composite material to $482,000 for pressure treated construction material. It was also announced that a quote from an out of town business was reviewed previously. The quote for one dock only was $120,000. The projects will have to go out for bid. Commissioners will work on preparing solicitation packets for the project.

The Federal program, Local Roads Safety Initiative, serviced by the State of Alabama, was the last item on the agenda. It was announced that the program included $5 million in competitive funding. Jackson County was awarded $353,700. The funds, if approved, will be used to repair and/or replace posts and rails on bridges located on County Road 30 and County Road 48. The cost to Jackson County will be $35,000.

 

by Heather Dohring