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The Covington County Commission heard from officials of the Covington County Extension Office and two students who discussed the county’s 4-H program at a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 27.

Ginny Jeter from Sparta Academy and Ellie Odom from Florala High School spoke on their experiences within the program.

“I got started in 4-H like many young kids in the classroom with the bake-off. I won the county bake-off competition and then went on to regionals where I finished second. It was there where 4-H exploded for me,” Jeter said.

“I started doing a lot for 4-H in the ninth grade. I started visiting neighboring counties because our county did not offer the livestock program, which I loved. By going to these other counties, I feel like I can bring back a lot of knowledge I learned,” Odom said.

Dist. 1 Kenneth Northey spoke on the efforts of the county’s 4-H participants and leaders.

“We are proud that these students take the initiative to do what they are doing. It means a lot to this county and these schools to see students who are dedicated,” Northey said.

“We are really proud to have two ambassadors and are one of the few counties who have two,” 4-H Agent Assistant Tara Dalton added.

In other business:

• The commission approved the adoption of an updated per diem policy for county employees by a 3-1 vote. Dist. 1 Commissioner Northey, Dist. 2 Commissioner Michael Smith, and Dist. 4 Commissioner Tommy McGaha voted “yes,” while Dist. 3 Commissioner Lynne Holmes voted “no” on the matter. Additional information regarding the new policy will be featured in a future article.
• The commission discussed a resolution regarding a pay increase for poll workers that was implemented in 2022. Currently, poll workers receive $125 per day and an additional $25 for those who complete a certification class. The commission added an extra $50 per day for each poll worker two years ago and unanimously approved to keep this supplement in effect.
• The commission approved a long-term detention subsidy contract for youth services.
• The commission discussed the renewal of a contract with Avenu Insights. No action was taken and this item was tabled to the next meeting.
• The commission approved travel expenses for two individuals on the Board of Registrars to attend training exercises on Friday, Sept. 13.
• The commission awarded a bid for heavy equipment parts to Covington Heavy Duty Parts in Andalusia. County Engineer Lynn Ralls said CHDP was the lone bidder and offered an average of a 50 percent discount on part prices.
• The commission heard a presentation from Ralls about the county’s fiscal year 2025 transportation plan through Rebuild Alabama. The plan was approved and adopted as presented. Additional information regarding the plan will be featured in a future article.
• The commission entered an executive session to discuss two topics but did not take action on either topic when the meeting resumed.

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