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The Covington County Commission approved the renewal of an employment contract with the county engineer at a regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday.

The commission approved a three-year renewal for Lynn Ralls, who currently serves as the county engineer.

“Lynn does a great job. Speaking from the commission as a whole, we appreciate what you and your team over at the bridge and road department do. It’s an honor to consider and take action on this. This proposal will roll things forward on a three-year term with exactly the same terms as we currently are operating under with Lynn with this exception proposed. I propose we make a 2.65 percent adjustment in pay now and cost of living as things come along for the next three years,” said Chairman Greg White.

The commission heard an update from Nathan Rogers on the Origis solar project and approved revising tax abatement on the project.

“The estimated cost of the projects has risen from around $80 million to about $120 million. We granted abatements two years ago on this project. There is no change in the terms other than the dollar amount used,” White said.

In other business:

• The commission approved an emergency purchase of tires for the county’s maintenance department at a cost of $104.
• The commission approved the purchase of light bars, sirens, and other equipment ordered for installation on three new vehicles at the Covington County Sheriff’s Department at a cost of $16,245.
• The commission approved the reversal of a previously declared surplus on a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria for the CCSD, which will be put back into operation for use.
• The commission approved out-of-state travel for one investigator to attend Child Advocacy Center training. Commission policy states that any out-of-state travel by County officials or employees must be approved by the commission at an open meeting.
• The commission approved the solicitation of bids for the engineer’s department on hot mix asphalt and bituminous surface treatment.
• The commission approved declaring seven motor graders and a few Mac dump trucks as surplus, to be sold at the J.M. Wood Auction in Montgomery.
• The commission awarded a bid for an air conditioning unit and furnace at the Covington County Health Department to the lowest bidder, Roger’s Refrigeration, at a cost of $8,539. This payment will be made from the Alabama Rescue Act funds the county received.

The next meeting of the Covington County Commission will be held Tuesday, July 12, 9 a.m., at the Covington County Administration Building. The public is invited to attend.