Current county commission holds final meeting

The meeting of Randolph County Commission last week was the final one for at least three of the current commissioners. The general election next week will determine the fate of one more.

Commissioners Lathonia Wright and Doyle Allen did not seek reelection to their seats. Terry Lovvorn will be replaced by newcomer Chris Brown, and Pam Johnson will take over the seat in District 3. Districts 4 and 5 will be determined in the election next week.

Speaking on the last few years in office, Allen said, “It has been an honor and privilege to serve on this commission and represent the citizens of District 3. It has been an honor to serve with some good men in the past years, and I feel I am a blessed man.” Allen went on to say he appreciated the work by all employee and the staff of the commission office. “I just want to say thank you to everyone.”

Commissioner Wright was unable to attend the meeting due to sickness. Commissioner Lovvorn simply said, “It’s been a good time and a good run.”

Citizen’s road concerns

Herbert Adamson, a resident of County Road 686 in the Rock Mills area, addressed the commission concerning some drainage problems on his road. He said, “The last time the road was worked, six to eight months ago, they left holes and knocked down a bank, and now water is coming off the road down into my spring.” Adamson said he gets his drinking water from the spring.

Engineer Burrell Jones told Adamson he would have someone to fix the road as soon as possible.

A long career

Commissioners honored Brenda White Payne for her many years of service in the probate judge’s office. Payne has been employed with the county more than 38 years and most recently as the chief recording clerk for the probate office. The commission presented Mrs. Payne with a framed resolution commending her for her service.

In other business, the commission:

• Tabled an appointment to the county healthcare authority for District 1 until after the new commission takes office.
• Approved the insolvents, errors and taxes in litigation for 2019 and uncollected insolvents and taxes in litigation for the previous years as requested by the revenue commissioner.
• ¥ Approved opening a new bank account for Fund-121 of the revenue commissioner’s office at First State Bank, the county depository, with the commission chair, chief administrative officer and chief financial officer as approved signors and grant internet banking access to the chief administrative and financial officers.
• Awarded a low bid of $2,600 per month until Dec. 31 to Quality Cleaning for work at the courthouse, courthouse annexes, EMA office and engineer’s office. Commissioner Derek Farr asked about the possibility of jail trustees doing the work to save money, but Sheriff David Cofield said at the present time with COVID, there would not be any available. Farr emphasized this money would be reimbursed by COVID CARES money.
• Heard a report from Sheriff Cofield that as of Thursday, there were 78 inmates in the county jail, 61 male and 17 female.