Construction of new jail on schedule

In addition, the commission approved the interior color scheme as recommended by the architect and Sheriff David Cofield. Another change order to remove interior office walls with a cost savings of $5,380 was approved by commissioners. This money will be placed in a contingency fund for future use.

All commissioners toured the new county jail prior to Thursday's workshop. and all said they are impressed.

Drug Take-back Box

At Thursday's workshop, Barry Morris and Crystal Barnes with the Lake Wedowee Property Owners' Association addressed the commission about placing a drug take-back box in the courthouse.

"We aren't asking for anything but permission to place the box in the courthouse and for your support," Morris said. "We need to protect others by turning in old medications instead of throwing them away. They can also be a hazard to water quality. Medicines cannot be filtered."

Morris went on to say the medicines collected would be picked by the Drug Enforement Agency. At Monday's meeting, the commission agreed to accept the donation.

Commissioners' reports

Commissioners Larry Roberts and Doyle Allen stated the patching of potholes is going well. "We just need to make sure that the crews don't hit and miss and that they complete a road before moving to another," Allen said. Roberts added that as soon as a crew could be free, there needd to be some repairs on dirt roads.

Commissioner Lathonia Wright expressed his concern about signs that were put up on County Road 31. Sheriff Cofield said the signs had been taken down, and they think they know who put them up. The road is back open.

Commissioner Terry Lovvorn, the new chairman, said he appreciated all the help from volunteer fire departments and the public during the recent severe weather.

In other business, the commission:

• Met in executive session for 28 minutes to discuss the god name and character of an individual.
• Approved changing the specs on a lowboy tractor with a slight price increase. Approval for the purchase was made in the Jan. 13 meeting. Commissioner Wright voted no due to a 2021 model being some $3,000 cheaper but with a smaller transmission.
• Approved the renewal of the First Bank operations loan for $100,000 and authorized the chairman and chief financial officer to execute the loan documents.
• Heard a report from Sheriff Cofield that as of Monday there were 69 inmates in the county jail, 54 male and 15 female.

Announcements

The Randolph County Courthouse and Annexes will be closed Monday, Feb. 17, for President's Day.

Wellness screenings for employees will be Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.