County enters contract with CATS; replaces grader fleet

Published 11:35 am Monday, September 20, 2021

The Covington County Commission met Tuesday and approved contracts involving public transportation and entering into a lease for motor graders.

The commission voted to enter into a contract with the Covington Area Transit System to provide transportation services of the Department of Human Resources and Veteran’s Court.

The commissioners also agree to enter into a lease agreement for eight Caterpillar motor graders that will replace the current fleet. The lease was from the Sourcewell Joint Bid program that is used by local governments nationally.

According to officials, a detailed analysis of the costs of a lease as compared to purchasing was performed by the engineer and his staff. The previous lease of graders five years ago was reported to have saved the county over $300,000 over the 5-year term of the lease.

In other action, the commission approved providing $1,000 to the Covington County Child Advocacy Center in support of the upcoming CAC Rodeo of Children to be held at Hilltop Arena on Oct. 1 and 2, at 7 p.m. each night.

A retail liquor license was approved for Adams’ Bar, Inc., which will operate on Alabama Highway 52, near the Coffee County line.

A contract was renewed for in-home services funding from the South Alabama Regional Council on Aging as well as a contract with ADECA to fund highway safety patrol under overtime provisions by the sheriff’s department.

During the meeting, the two newest members of the commission — Michael Smith and Tommy McGaha — were recognized for completing 50 hours of course work required of new commissioners by state law. Both Commissioner McGaha and Smith completed their education well within the time set forth by attending workshops and seminars. The other three commissioners have previously completed their coursework.

The next meeting of the Covington County Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 28, 9 a.m., at the Covington County Administration Building. The commission meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month.