CALHOUN COUNTY, AL — The Calhoun County Commission approved a series of agreements, regulatory changes and other measures during its Thursday, Sept. 10 meeting, including updated regulations for recovery residences, a juvenile detention agreement and new county levies for several types of alcoholic beverage licenses.
The commission approved the second reading of an ABC application for Northern Express. Commissioners also approved seven nuisance abatements, dismissed six nuisance cases and issued 10 new nuisance declarations. The properties considered were located throughout Anniston, Alexandria, Jacksonville and Weaver.
Among the more substantial actions was approval of a resolution updating county regulations governing recovery residences. The changes supplement regulations already in place and establish additional requirements related to inspections, certification, facility spacing and capacity.
Under the resolution, facilities subject to the county regulations must complete required inspections and are responsible for paying the inspector directly. Facilities are also required to apply for certification through the Alabama Alliance for Recovery Residences within 90 days and obtain certification within six months, unless the county grants a waiver.
The resolution establishes a 1,500-foot spacing requirement for new recovery residences, with exceptions for qualifying grandfathered facilities. It also sets a countywide recovery-residence bed limit equal to one-half of 1% of the county population. Using a population figure of 116,441, the resolution lists a countywide maximum of 582 beds.
New facilities are further limited to no more than 10 residents, with no more than two residents per lawful bedroom. Existing facilities that qualify for grandfathered status may continue operating at their registered and verified capacity, subject to provisions contained in the resolution.
Commissioners also approved a juvenile detention agreement with Southeast Alabama Youth Services Inc., or SAYS. Under the agreement, SAYS will provide secure juvenile detention bed space and related services for juveniles for whom the county is financially responsible. The county will pay $170 per juvenile per day for detention bed usage. The agreement is for one year and may be renewed by mutual written agreement, subject to approval by both parties.
The commission additionally approved an Alabama Department of Youth Services grant agreement.
New county levies were established for ABC license categories created under Act 2026-512. The county fees are $1,000 for a Small Craft Distillery license, $1,000 for a Small Craft Winery license, $2,000 for a Hybrid Craft Alcoholic Beverage Complex license and $150 for a Tasting Room Extension.
Other business approved Thursday included modifications to Industrial Waste Inc.’s landfill permit; an annual software subscription agreement between the Highway Department and Diversified Computer Services LLC; and a GoFormz agreement providing an online forms subscription for the Calhoun County Coroner’s Office. Those items were among the matters listed under new business on the commission agenda.
A proposed Chamber of Commerce tourism agreement was tabled until the commission’s next meeting.
No significant issues were raised during the public comment portion of the meeting.
The Calhoun County Commission’s next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m.
