Office in old jail? County to consider proposal

Published 12:00 am Thursday, March 13, 2014

Members of the Covington County Commission said Wednesday they want to further discuss the possible sale of the former Covington County Jail to Trey Burgess, an Opp attorney, before taking action.

In a letter to the commission, Burgess stated he intends to use the building as office space. Commission Chairman Bill Godwin said he was aware of concerns of the Covington County Historical Society.

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Last year, members of the Covington Historical Society addressed the commission after rumors circulated that commissioners were considering tearing the structure down.

The building was placed on the National Historic Record in 1989.

The Covington Historical Society leased the building in 1999, and secured several grants which were used to patch a gaping hole in the roof, and to purchase some paint for interior walls. The CHS used inmate labor for the painting. However, the CHS allowed its lease to expire.

A facility tour by Star-News staff members in April of last year showed the building, which is not climate controlled and has numerous broken windows, has rapidly deteriorated over the years.

The commission agreed to enter in to further discussion with Burgess before next month’s regular meeting.

In other business the council:

• approved a resolution proclaiming April 19-26 PALS cleanup week in Covington County;

• approved the 2015 ABC board license schedule;

• approved the purchase of an advertisement in the Pilot Club Horse Show program for $75;

• approved a $1,000 donation to the Covington County 4-H Midnight Riders;

• approved a $1,000 donation to the South Central Alabama Mental Health “Communities Caring 2014” event;

• approved the reappointment of Eddie Stacey and Wayne Bush to the recreation board;

• approved the sale of surplus technology items; and

• approved an agreement to pay $75 per month for Emergency Notification System, allowing county employees to be notified via phone of emergency situations or pertinent work-related information.