Covington County Commission Recognizes Local 4-H Program and Conducts August Business

The Covington County Commission met Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Commission Chambers, with all commissioners present. Chairman Michael Smith called the meeting to order, followed by an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.

One of the highlights of the meeting came during the scheduled public comments portion, when Chuck Simon with the Covington County Extension Office appeared before the Commission along with staff members Tara Dalton, Katie Lee, and Jana Anderson.

Simon provided commissioners with an overview of how funds contributed by the Covington County Commission are used to support Extension programs and services throughout the county.

He also shared that Covington County currently has the number one 4-H program in the State of Alabama.

Several local 4-H participants joined the Extension staff at the meeting and were recognized for their accomplishments.

Brycen Browder, a member of the local 4-H archery team, was recognized for his involvement and is scheduled to participate in an upcoming Buckmasters event. Ellie Odom was also present and has served as a State 4-H Ambassador for the past two years. Declan Odom was recognized for participating in a number of 4-H activities, including livestock judging, while Callie Odom was also on hand representing the local program.

Simon highlighted the 4-H motto, “Learn by Doing,” while discussing the many opportunities the organization provides to young people across Covington County.

Following the presentation from Mr. Simon, the Commission moved into its regular business agenda.

Consent Agenda Approved

Commissioner McGaha made a motion to approve the consent agenda, which included accounts payable and payroll for July 2026. Commissioner Holmes seconded the motion, and the Commission voted unanimously in favor.

There was no old business before the Commission.

RRR Fund Amendment

Under new business, Commissioner Courson made a motion to approve an amendment to the RRR Fund.

The RRR Fund consists of Resurfacing, Restoration, and Rehabilitation Gas Tax funds that are designated for county transportation infrastructure. The amendment was needed to address a negative balance and zero out the account for accounting purposes.

Commissioner McGaha seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted in favor.

E911 Board Appointment

Commissioner Holmes made a motion to appoint Marvin Williford of the Florala community to the Covington County E911 Board.

Commissioner Weaver seconded the motion, and the appointment was approved unanimously.

Juvenile Detention Contract Approved

The Commission also approved its FY2027 Long Term Juvenile Detention Subsidy Contract.

Commissioner Weaver made the motion to approve the annual agreement, which provides Covington County access to one bed at the Southeast Alabama Diversion Center in Dothan when needed.

Commissioner McGaha seconded the motion, and all were in favor.

New ABC License Levies Established

Commissioner Courson made a motion to approve county levies for several new ABC license types, including licenses involving distilleries, wineries, pubs, and certain types of complexes.

The Covington County Commission has a longstanding practice of setting its county fee at one-half of the corresponding State fee. The action approved Tuesday continues that practice for the new license categories.

Commissioner McGaha seconded the motion, and the measure was approved unanimously.

Jail Fire Alarm Inspection Agreement

The Commission approved a three-year Fire Alarm System Test and Inspection Agreement with Harris Security Systems.

Under the agreement, Harris Security Systems will inspect the fire alarm system at the Covington County Jail at a cost of $2,500 per year.

Commissioner McGaha made the motion, Commissioner Holmes seconded it, and all commissioners voted in favor.

School Resource Officer Position Added

Commissioner Courson made a motion to amend the Sheriff’s Office manning chart to include one additional School Resource Officer position.

The position will serve Fleeta School. Previously, the School Resource Officer assigned to Fleeta was employed by the School Board rather than the Covington County Sheriff’s Office.

Commissioner Weaver seconded the motion, and all were in favor.

During discussion, Commissioner Holmes said she had reviewed funding associated with the School Resource Officer program as well as the County’s expenses.

Under the current agreement, approximately $280,000 annually will be received from the School Board, while the County’s total expenditures related to the program are approximately $334,000, including vehicle expenses, fuel, training, uniforms, and other associated costs.

Former District 1 Shop Transferred to City of Opp

Commissioner Courson made a motion to transfer the property of the former District 1 shop to the City of Opp.

Commissioner Weaver seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted in favor.

During the discussion, it was noted that under previous administrations, former County yards in Red Level and Florala had also been declared surplus and transferred to their respective municipalities.

Subdivision Plats Approved

The Commission approved final plats for three subdivisions:

Airport Acres, Legacy Point, and Pleasant Meadows.

Engineer’s Department Budget Amendments

County Engineer Derick Donaldson presented budget amendments for the Engineer’s Department and explained that additional funding was needed in the fuel budget and the rock and gravel budget to finish the current fiscal year.

Commissioner Holmes made a motion to approve an increase to the fuel budget. Commissioner Weaver seconded the motion, and all were in favor.

Commissioner Holmes then made a motion to approve the increase to the rock and gravel budget. Commissioner McGaha seconded the motion, and the measure was also approved unanimously.

Proposed Tung Oil Road Closure Discussed

The Commission also discussed a request involving the possible closure of approximately 2.3 miles of Tung Oil Road.

Donaldson explained that Tung Oil Road is currently considered a through road. However, along the approximately 2.3-mile section being considered for closure, the property on both sides of the roadway is owned by a single landowner who has requested the closure.

The remaining residences along Tung Oil Road are located on the opposite end of the road and would continue to have access.

Donaldson recommended advertising the proposed closure for 30 days and holding a public hearing during the Commission’s final September meeting on September 22, 2026, before any final action is considered.

There were no reports from staff and no additional discussion items from commissioners.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

The next regular meeting of the Covington County Commission will be held Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Commission Chambers.

The public is invited to attend.

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