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The Covington County Commission discussed a number of topics and approved a request for South Alabama Regional Airport hangar space at a regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday.

The commission listened to a presentation by Rick Clifton of the Covington County Economic Development Commission and approved a proposal for hangar space at SARA.

“It’s really a CCEDC function, but the policy is to make the local governments aware of proposals related to the hangars, due to the investments in those facilities,” Chairman Greg White said. The commission approved Clifton submitting a proposal for hangar lease to a prospect. “The approval of the economic development proposal was significant because it’s talking about the long-term tenant and several jobs at the airport,” White added.

The commission also approved two rates for daily use at the Covington County Arena instead of an event use. The cost was set at $250 for the indoor arena and $100 for the outdoor pen. “Locals will be better able to utilize the arena for practicing. Right now, people call and have to rent the facility for $400 a day. They are concerned because all they want to do is get together and practice rather than hosting a full event. This gives us a little more reasonable rate for community use,” White said.

There are 22 events scheduled at the arena between now and Dec. 31 this year.

“Some of those include the Alabama High School Rodeo Finals, Alabama Junior Rodeo Finals, the Alabama Amateur Quarter Horse Association, Alabama Little Britches Rodeo Association, the Southern Reined Cow Horse Alliance, Ed Allen Team Roping, and Dennis Horse Sales,” Administrator Karen Sowell said. “We were excited for the turnout last weekend at the JC Kitaif Pro Rodeo with a recorded attendance over 2,100.”

The commission also approved making one of two contributions to the splash pad project in Opp through one of two methods: $45,000 over three years or $50,000 over five years.

“It will be Opp’s choice on how they want the funds to be distributed,” White said.

In other business:

• The commission approved a request by the Sheriff on reimbursing funds for the inmate feed bill.
• The commission approved the acceptance and insurance of a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe from PowerSouth as an addition to the Sheriff’s fleet.
• The commission approved out-of-state travel for two correctional officers to participate in training in Nashville. Commission policy states that any out-of-state travel by County officials or employees must be approved by the commission at an open meeting.
• The commission awarded a bid to Willo Products for jail block doors at a total cost of $95,207.
• The commission awarded a bid for the purchase of railroad tank cars that are being used in certain instances as alternatives to pipe, at $525 per foot.
• The commission approved the solicitation of bids for local lime base.

The next meeting of the Covington County Commission will be held Tuesday, May 10, 9 a.m., at the Covington County Administration Building. The public is invited to attend.