CALHOUN COUNTY — The Calhoun County Commission recognized the Miss Alabama Volunteer Organization and approved a wide range of county business during its July 23 meeting, including board appointments, infrastructure agreements, nuisance abatement actions, personnel matters, and emergency facility improvements.
The meeting began with the commission welcoming representatives of the Miss Alabama Volunteer Organization, including Miss Alabama Volunteer Mary Elizabeth Madden, Miss East Alabama Volunteer Aubrey Ford, Miss Oxford Volunteer Kaitlyn Funk, and Miss Calhoun County Volunteer Cate Shirey. Executive Director Tara Smith thanked the commission for its continued support of the organization and said its mission extends beyond pageantry to promoting scholarships, service, leadership and the empowerment of young women.
Madden thanked the commission for its partnership with the organization and said Calhoun County has become a valued home for the statewide competition.
“We are proud to showcase this community and all it has to offer,” Madden said, noting that contestants and visitors from across Alabama were in Oxford for the competition. She also encouraged the public to attend the preliminary competitions and finals at the Oxford Performing Arts Center.
Following the recognition, commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda and minutes before moving into regular business.
Nuisance abatements and dismissals
During old business, the commission approved nuisance abatements for six Jacksonville properties after county officials determined public nuisance violations remained. Representatives for several Harris Street properties addressed the commission, explaining they were continuing to work with tenants to resolve ongoing issues. County officials said property owners would continue to have time to correct violations while the legal process moved forward.
Commissioners also dismissed nuisance cases involving properties on Alabama Highway 202, Cedar Springs Road in Weaver, Lake Street in Jacksonville and additional Harris Street properties after officials reported that the majority of violations had been corrected.
The commission then declared three additional properties as public nuisances, including locations in Ohatchee and Anniston.
County accepts Dearmanville Barn property
Commissioners approved a resolution accepting ownership of the Dearmanville Barn property after the Back Country Horsemen of America voted to return it to the county.
County Administrator Jonathan Gaddy explained the property had previously been transferred to support horse trail operations and that the original agreement called for ownership to revert to the county if the organization no longer used the property for its intended purpose. Commissioners said the county will determine future uses for the facility.
Transfer station rate increases
The commission approved a resolution increasing the rate Meridian Waste pays to dispose of solid waste at the county transfer station.
Beginning Aug. 1, Meridian Waste will pay $48.50 per ton, representing a $2 per ton increase over the current rate.
Road analysis agreement approved
Commissioners approved an agreement with Diversified Computer Services to perform a comprehensive road analysis for Calhoun County.
County Engineer Rodney McCain said the software will provide county officials with more accurate information about road conditions and infrastructure, allowing them to better prioritize maintenance and future improvements throughout the county road system.
Highway Department adds project manager
The commission approved an employment agreement with Branton Cole to serve as Permit Coordinator and Project Manager for the county Highway Department.
After the vote, Cole thanked commissioners for the opportunity and said he looked forward to serving the citizens of Calhoun County.
Commission Chairman Lee Patterson said the addition of Cole follows the hiring of an assistant engineer and strengthens the Highway Department’s ability to meet the county’s growing infrastructure needs.
Mud Hole Road vacated
Commissioners approved vacating Mud Hole Road at Camp McClellan’s horse trail campground.
County officials said closing the roadway will allow the installation of a security gate so campground entrances can be locked during overnight hours for the safety and security of visitors staying at the facility.
Additional agreements approved
The commission also approved:
- A lease agreement allowing Grit Training Facility to operate the county batting cage facility at Woodland Park Sports Complex for $600 per month.
- A $13,800 service agreement with UAB to provide dietary and nutrition services at the Calhoun County Jail.
- A resolution waiving certain liquor tax penalties involving Dreamers USA LLC.
- An emergency resolution authorizing expedited HVAC and plumbing improvements at the county animal control facility after officials determined operational issues required immediate attention.
Board appointments approved
Commissioners made several appointments to county advisory boards.
The following were appointed to the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Citizens Advisory Committee:
- District 1: Reuben Johnson and Edward Sturkie
- District 2: Kraig Mize and Angela Sullivan
- District 3: Anne Key and David West
- District 4: Theodore Smart and Gerry Lyons
- District 5: Tim Huddleston and George Salmon
The appointments were approved unanimously.
The commission also appointed members to the newly established AG Center Oversight Board. Adam Feazell and Donald Turner will serve one-year terms, Naomi Richards and Doug Trantham will serve two-year terms, and Brittney Reaves and Coleman Lett will serve three-year terms. County Extension Coordinator David West serves on the board by virtue of his position. Officials said the staggered appointments are intended to provide continuity for the board.
Commissioners also appointed Commissioner Danny Shears to serve on the Coosa Valley RC&D Council.
Public comments highlight community projects
Several community leaders addressed the commission during public comments.
Richard Rybka with Coosa Riverkeeper encouraged commissioners to remain engaged in ongoing PCB remediation efforts in the Anniston area and invited them to attend informational presentations about the cleanup process.
Calhoun County Area Chamber & Visitors Center Executive Director Linda Hearn thanked the commission for supporting Leadership Calhoun County and proposed organizing a statewide county commissioners’ cornhole tournament as a future fundraiser.
County Extension Coordinator Dr. David West thanked commissioners for establishing the AG Center Oversight Board and reported that approximately 15 events have already been scheduled at the county’s agricultural center, with hopes of eventually hosting activities on a weekly basis.
Calhoun County Schools Superintendent Dr. Micheal Barber thanked the commission for its continued partnership with local schools and invited commissioners to participate in welcome-back messages for teachers ahead of the new school year.
Tourism Director Cher Dulaney shared updates from the Alabama Governor’s Tourism Conference, noting that while Alabama and Georgia remain Calhoun County’s largest visitor markets, Texas and California also rank among the county’s top out-of-state tourism markets. She also encouraged residents to participate in the America250 countywide mosaic mural project, which begins this week in Anniston.
Chairman recognized for national appointment
Near the conclusion of the meeting, commissioners recognized Chairman Lee Patterson for being appointed to the board of the National Association of Counties (NACo).
County officials said the appointment allows Patterson to represent both Calhoun County and Alabama at the national level while helping shape discussions affecting counties across the country. Patterson said he was honored by the appointment.
