CALHOUN COUNTY, AL — The Calhoun County Commission recognized a local student for her statewide achievement, approved a series of resolutions related to county operations and infrastructure, and heard updates on upcoming community events during its June 25 meeting.
The meeting opened with special recognition for Jacksonville High School student Rachel Sloffey, who was recently selected to serve as an Alabama 4-H State Ambassador. Sloffey spoke to commissioners about her nearly nine years of involvement with 4-H and said she hopes to use her new role to encourage younger members to become involved while serving as a voice for 4-H participants across Alabama.
Commissioners then turned to old business, approving nuisance abatements on seven properties in Anniston, Jacksonville and Weaver after county officials reported public nuisance violations remained unresolved. A nuisance case involving property at 108 Mountainside Circle in Anniston was dismissed after county staff reported the majority of violations had been corrected. The commission also approved nuisance abatement invoices totaling $9,820 for cleanup work completed by the county on four properties.
Under new business, commissioners declared eight additional properties in Anniston and Jacksonville as public nuisances and conducted the first reading of an Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board application from B Mart in Alexandria seeking approval for off-premises beer and wine sales as well as tobacco and alternative nicotine products.
The commission approved the Revenue Commissioner’s annual Insolvent and Litigation Report and authorized the chairman to sign the required documentation. Commissioners also approved a Fiscal Year 2027 Letter of Intent to Purchase resolution for the Highway Department. County officials said the measure authorizes the planned purchase of four heavy-duty dump truck chassis, one heavy-duty low-boy tractor and four steel dump bodies as part of the county’s equipment rotation program, with an estimated cost of slightly more than $1.1 million.
A resolution was also approved allowing Calhoun County to participate in a state-authorized one-time retiree payment program. County officials estimated the county’s share of the program at more than $46,000. Commissioners additionally approved a resolution authorizing the county to apply for a grant of approximately $12,167 for the purchase and installation of playground equipment at Woodland Park.
The commission adopted a revised employee handbook and updated personnel policies. County officials noted the previous handbook dated back to 1994 and that county staff had spent more than a year developing the updated version.
Commissioners also designated Commissioner Lee Patterson as Calhoun County’s voting delegate to the National Association of Counties annual business meeting and appointed Commissioner Danny Shears to serve as the county’s nominee for the 2026-27 Association of County Commissions of Alabama Legislative Committee.
Additional action included approval of a joint grant application seeking approximately $2.9 million for replacement of the County Road 511 Grayton Road Bridge, acceptance of the Hillside Drive cul-de-sac into county maintenance and approval of Deer Run Estates Phase I along with several Indian Oaks Estates subdivision and re-subdivision requests.
During public comments, residents from the Piedmont area addressed concerns regarding deteriorating road conditions serving a residential community located partially within the City of Piedmont and partially in unincorporated Calhoun County. County officials agreed to meet with residents following the meeting to discuss potential solutions and explain requirements associated with future county road acceptance.
Representatives of the Woodstock 5K also addressed commissioners, thanking the county for more than 20 years of support. Race officials reported approximately 1,100 runners participated in last year’s event and said organizers are preparing for another large turnout when the race returns on Aug. 1.
Calhoun County Area Chamber & Visitors Center Tourism Director Cher Dulaney provided an update on several upcoming tourism and community events. Dulaney discussed efforts to promote the Woodstock 5K and other attractions to visitors traveling into the county. She also highlighted activities planned as part of the nation’s America 250 celebration, including the upcoming 250 Ladiga Freedom Ride at Chief Ladiga Landing. Dulaney said the event will include a 25-mile bicycle ride, patriotic music by the Cheaha Winds, community activities and opportunities for residents to gather in celebration of Independence Day.
Dulaney encouraged residents to take advantage of numerous events scheduled across the county during the upcoming holiday week, including fireworks displays in Ohatchee and Piedmont, Oxford’s Freedom Fest, and the Calhoun County Parade in Weaver. She also highlighted a free public performance by the nationally recognized Spirit of Atlanta drum and bugle corps at Jacksonville State University, describing it as an opportunity for local residents to experience a unique musical showcase while the organization prepares for its summer tour.
Before adjournment, Commissioner Danny Shears reminded residents of additional Independence Day activities planned throughout the county. Shears highlighted a Fourth of July festival at Nance Creek Park hosted by Nance Creek Baptist Church that will feature a car show, food vendors and fireworks. He also noted that Oxford’s July 4 fireworks display at Oxford Lake is expected to be the largest in the city’s history as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration. According to Shears, organizers will distribute special 3D glasses designed to enhance portions of the fireworks display.
The next meeting of the Calhoun County Commission is scheduled for Thursday, July 9, at 10 a.m.
