Covington County Commission Covington County Commission ratified the budget total that was just under $26 million for fiscal year 2024 in the regular meeting on Tuesday, September. 26.

The budget contains the cost of living rise on all county workers and the commission also absorbed the rise in premiums for health insurance for employees.

“The commission met for an open workshop last week. The budget was well-balanced with $200,000 of contingency funds set aside for cushion. There were some modifications made during our discussion however Karen handed us a back page that summarizes these items,” Chairman Greg White stated.

The General Fund, which finances county-related activities that are not highways, roads bridges, and highways, was around 12 million. This includes recreation, senior services public transportation, courthouse operations, aswell the police (Sheriff) budget that is $3,487,000 as well as the operating budget for jails, which is $2,984,000. The highways, roads and bridges budget is around $13.3 million, including $1,590,000 of Rebuild Alabama funds to resurface and build new structures.

“The changes suggested here are within the limits of the budget we discussed on the previous day. It is possible to cover these with contingency money available,” White added.

The administrator Karen Sowell announced the county’s debt fell from $13 million to $9 million.

In other businesses:

  • The commission was able to approve the preliminary engineering assessment of economic development. The commissioners were split over the decision, with Chairman breaking the tie at 2-2.
  • The commission voted to approve an appropriation of $1,000 for in the year 2023 for Farmer’s Banquet.
  • The commission passed an ordinance for a contract with a deputy to Sanford, the Town of Sanford.
  • The commission voted to approve the adoption of a K-9 that was given at no cost by members of the Sheriff’s Department from Okaloosa County in Florida. Bruno gave a demonstration at the meeting.
  • The commission has approved the solicitation of bids for each year within the Engineer’s Department.
  • The commission ratified the $150,000 ADEM contract for tire cleaning.
  • The commission has approved that bids were solicited to clear clearing the right of way.
  • The commission voted in favor of the acceptance of a bid for liquid asphalt Hunt Refining Company, which was the lowest bidder.
  • The commission voted to enter into an agreement with Southland to offer the county employees with vision insurance at a cost of $11 per month for a single insurance and the cost is $20 per family for single coverage.
  • The commission accepted the recommendations of the review board regarding a matter involving personnel, which was considered in the executive meeting.
  • The commission endorsed the request of W.S. Harlan Elementary School teacher of physical education Tyler Zessin for assistance with the school’s basketball youth programs. The funds will be withdrawn from Dist. 3. Commissioner Lynne Holmes the discretionary funds.

Next meeting of Covington County Commission Covington County Commission is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 9 a.m. at Covington County Administration Building. Covington County Administration Building. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The article Commission approves the budget of $26 million for the fiscal 2024 was first published at The Andalusia Star-News.