Commission

The Fayette County Commission discussed at its March 8 meeting applying for a $300,000 Community Block - CARES grant that would be used with other funds to build a new clinic in Fayette. All commissioners were present for the meeting. Commission Chairman Mike Freeman said that the current clinic is full, and that the county needs a new, more efficient clinic. He said that the commission has a short window of opportunity to apply for the grant, and thinks that a clinic would be a worthwhile project. The deadline to apply for the grant is April 1.

The Fayette County Commission voted during its Nov. 23 meeting to close Hell’s Creek Road, and to seek bids for solid waste removal within the county. All commissioners were present for the meeting. Dr. John Turner, a physician currently residing in Tennessee, addressed the closure of the Hell’s Creek Road during a public hearing prior to the meeting. Turner said that he is a former resident of Fayette County and an adjoining landowner to the Hell’s Creek Road property.

The Fayette County Commission approved its transportation plan for fiscal year 2021 as required under the “Rebuild Alabama Act,” which was enacted last year by the state legislature. The plan was approved during a special called meeting on Aug. 28 that followed the commission’s regular meeting on Aug. 24. The special meeting was called for the expressed purpose of approving the transportation plan, since the plan is required to be approved prior to Sept. 1 each year, and since the plan was not approved in the last regular commission meeting of the month.

The Fayette County Commission approved a plan to centralize its purchasing of office supplies and materials in an effort to save money during its June 22 meeting. All commissioners were present for the meeting. Commission Chairman Mike Freeman had previously addressed the commission concerning centralizing its office supply purchases, but the commission had taken no previous action.

During its Feb. 24 meeting, the Fayette County Commission established a new policy that will declare a 60-day moratorium on public comments prior to an election. Commissioner Barry Corkren was absent, with all other commissioners present. Commissioner Joe Acker commented during the meeting that the commission appeared to get speakers just before an election cycle speaking against a candidate who is seeking re-election. He asked for a 60-day moratorium on public comments to be fair to the candidates who are seemingly being attacked.

The commission approved the addition of four handicapped parking spots on the south end of the courthouse during its Nov. 11 meeting. All commissioners were in attendance for the meeting. Newly hired county administrator, Brooke Slatton, who will be starting with the commission in early 2020, was also in attendance at the meeting.

County Administrator John Gordon announced his plans to retire from his position during the Oct. 15 meeting of the Fayette County Commission. In a letter to the commissioners, Gordon expressed his desire to retire, effective April 1, 2020, stating that he has “been blessed to work for the commission 22 years as of Dec. 1, 2019.

The Fayette County Commission approved its FY 2020 budget during the continuation of its Sept. 23 meeting. The Monday night meeting was recessed until Tuesday morning to take one last look at the budget before it was approved.

The importance of the upcoming 2020 Census was stressed during the Aug. 26 meting of the Fayette County Commission. Commissioner John Underwood was absent, with the remaining commissioners being present. Also present was Fayette County Probate Judge Mike Freeman, who serves as the chairman of the commission. Commissioner Shane Hughes said that the 2019 annual convention of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama pointed out the importance of everyone in the county being counted during next year’s census.

The Fayette County Commission voted at its July 22 meeting to resume holding its meetings in the annex building instead of the Fayette County Courtroom. All commissioners were present for the meeting. Commissioner Billy Joe Rodgers made the motion to move the meetings, and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Joe Acker. The motion passed by a unanimous vote.