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The new body of the Covington County Commission was sworn in during an induction ceremony and organizational meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Pictured are, from left, (front) Chairman Michael Smith, Dist. 4 Commissioner and Chairman Pro Tempore Tommy McGaha; (back) Dist. 1 Commissioner Ben Courson, Dist. 3 Commissioner Lynne Holmes, and Dist. 2 Commissioner Robbie Weaver. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

Michael Smith is sworn in by Circuit Judge Ben Bowden as the next chairman of the Covington County Commission. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

Ben Courson is sworn in by retired District Court Judge Trippy McGuire as the next Dist. 1 commissioner. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

Robbie Weaver is sworn in by retired District Court Judge Trippy McGuire as the next Dist. 2 commissioner. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

Lynne Holmes is sworn in by retired District Court Judge Trippy McGuire as the next Dist. 3 commissioner. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

Tommy McGaha is sworn in by District Court Judge Julie Moody as the next Dist. 4 commissioner. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

The new body of the Covington County Commission was sworn in to serve for the next four years during an induction ceremony and organizational meeting held in the Covington County Commission Chambers on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

Communications Director Kyle Adams welcomed those in attendance to the meeting before Covington County Veterans Services Officer Brian Foshee led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Frankie McVay gave the prayer, and Probate Judge Stacy Brooks introduced special guests in attendance.

Michael Smith was elected to serve as the next commission chairman and sworn in by Circuit Judge Ben Bowden. Retired District Court Judge Trippy McGuire swore in Dist. 1 Commissioner Ben Courson, Dist. 2 Commissioner Robbie Weaver, and Dist. 3 Commissioner Lynne Holmes. District Court Judge Julie Moody swore in Dist. 4 Commissioner Tommy McGaha.

“I’d like to thank everybody for their attendance this morning and attending the oath and ceremony. It’s an honor and privilege to be sitting in this seat, and the commission extends our gratitude to everyone here and in the county for having trust in us to do this job,” Smith said.

The commission presented Kenneth Northey with a proclamation that reflected his 12 years of service as an outgoing commissioner. Northey chose not to seek re-election after serving the county for three terms.

The commission unanimously voted to hold meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. as in previous years. The final meeting of the year was moved to Dec. 3 to accommodate training in Montgomery. Holmes discussed the addition of an evening meeting, which would allow more citizens from the public to attend.

“We have had requests before that we have a meeting later in the day. I would like to see us do that maybe once every six months to see if we would have better attendance. This would not be on a regular basis but would be a trial to see how it goes. I don’t know if that would be a hardship on our employees or leaders,” Holmes said. “We can look into it as time progresses and can call a special meeting if we see a need for it,” Smith added.

The commission also voted to hold a workshop on the Thursday before each meeting at 9 a.m. Workshops will be open to the public.

“I think a workshop prior to our meeting would be beneficial. I have spoken to (County Administrator Karen Sowell) and (County Attorney Morgan Arrington) along with our former two commissioners about having a workshop prior to our meeting. This would allow us to get more information out,” Smith said. “I would encourage you, if you still have your workshops, to have a policy about how to speak at the workshop versus setting a meeting and allowing anyone to come and speak without advance notice,” Arrington added.

In other business:

• The commission approved the designation of Tommy McGaha as chairman pro tempore.
• The commission adopted rules of procedure provided by the Association of County Commissions of Alabama for meeting governance.
• Chairman Smith announced an employee recognition luncheon for county employees will be held on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m. Additionally, a one-time pay supplement of $500 for full-time employees and $250 for part-time employees will be distributed before Thanksgiving.
• County Engineer Lynn Ralls announced that no bids were received for a curb and gutter project. The commission approved Ralls to negotiate directly with a local contractor for the work.
• The commission approved the solicitation of bids for both specified local lime base and steel piling needed for the Indian Creek Bridge Project.
• The commission approved a third-party beauty pageant for Covington County residents as a qualifier for the National Peanut Festival.
• The commission approved a contract for the SIMS App for work order management in the Engineer’s Office at a cost of $750 per month.
• The commission discussed the proposal of a 30-day extension of the Point A Park agreement and decided to extend the agreement until Jan. 14, 2025. Courson, McGaha, and Arrington were assigned to negotiate terms with PowerSouth. A recommendation will be brought to the Jan. 14 meeting regarding whether to non-renew the agreement or renew it under new terms. The extension passed after Chairman Smith broke a 2-2 tie vote.

The next meeting of the commission will be held Wednesday, Dec. 3, 9 a.m., at the Covington County Administration Building.

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