Commission recognizes Miss Alabama candidates

WEDOWEE – At Monday’s meeting of Randolph County Commission, commissioners adopted resolutions for three ladies from Randolph County who will take part in the Miss Alabama Competition.

Whitney Wright of Roanoke, Miss Southern Union; McKenzie Gay of Woodland, Miss Auburn University; and Lindsay Fincher of Wedowee, Miss University of Alabama were presented copies of a resolution in recognition of their accomplishments and as encouragement as they compete.

Miss Alabama preliminary competitions will be June 29-July 1 with the final competition and crowning on July 2 at Samford University in Birmingham.

Courthouse cleaning

Commissioners split on a vote to hire a day laborer to help clean the courthouse and annexes. The agenda stated to discuss the possibility of hiring a day laborer to help clean and sanitize the courthouse. It was noted in discussion community service workers were used in the past, but they haven’t been used since the COVID outbreak.

Following a motion and second for discussion, Commissioner Derek Farr asked the sheriff about using prisoners. “I don’t mind using prisoners, but the department heads do not want prisoners in and out of their offices,” said Sheriff David Cofield.

“Well, if they don’t like it, they can clean their offices themselves,” replied Farr. “We just don’t have the money to pay anyone else. We have openings in the highway department and the sheriff’s department, and we can’t get anybody to apply, so why do we think someone would apply for this position?”

Commissioner Larry Roberts asked about bringing back the community service program. The sheriff said that decision would be left up to the judge. After discussion, Commissioners Pam Johnson and Chris Brown voted to hire the day laborer, with Farr and Roberts voting no. Commission Chairman Lorenzo Foster broke the tie with a yes vote. The day laborer position will be advertised to see if there is any interest.

In other business, the commission:

• Approved the appointment of Doug Williams to the economic development authority for District 1.
• Approved for the chairman to execute the Rebuild Alabama contract for resurfacing to Gary Ingram Paving.
• Approved a resolution adopted by Randolph County Water, Sewer and Fire Protection Authority to change its name to Randolph County Water Authority.
• Approved a one-time bonus to retired employees through the state retirement program.
• Approved a contract with ABS Business Machines for the lease of Canon copy machines.
• Announced the courthouse and annexes will be closed June 20 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.
• Commended Foster for the good job he had done as chairman. The next meeting later this month will chaired by Commissioner Derek Farr, the next in line for chairman on the rotating system.