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The Covington County Commission announced an important update to an application for a Loango establishment’s liquor license and also approved its fiscal year 2023 budget at a regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, Sept. 27.

“As you know, we had a public hearing on an application for a liquor license at Slinks Nighttown Bar and Grill at our previous meeting. Near the end of our meeting last week, we convened in executive session on advice of counsel. In that session, the commission did vote on the application based on some unusual rules that govern in that particular case. We voted and have mailed a letter to the applicant. The commission voted to deny the application and deny the liquor license. If Slinks owner Alex Myrick chooses to appeal the commission’s decision, he will need to take action with the circuit court,” Chairman Greg White said.

The commission approved the adoption of a $20 million budget for fiscal year 2023.

“We adopted a budget reflecting a six-percent cost-of-living raise to all county employees and absorbed the 6.4 percent health insurance increase, so employees will not see any healthcare insurance increase. We adjusted pay scales for law enforcement and those at the jail at approximately six to eight percent additional increases to come more in line with neighboring agencies,” White added.

The commission put a hold on any capital outlay (assets and vehicles) for consideration until the first meeting of January due to two commissioners being absent from the meeting.

The commission approved the allocation of ARPA funds for economic development projects.

“We adopted a resolution, which committed up to $500,000 for some capital improvements at Point A Campground and RV Park. The amount we spend is contingent on a commitment of funding from PowerSouth who is the owner of the property. We are working with them on developing a plan of improvements and don’t think we will spend $500,000 but just committed to that amount,” White said.

The commission approved a fiscal year 2023 renewal contract with South Alabama Regional Council on Aging (SARCOA), which is headquartered in Dothan.

“We are a member county and appoint board members. They provide services related to senior programs throughout the seven-county region. Those services include operating senior centers, nutrition centers, and also partially funding a program for senior in-home care. We have one employee who goes into homes and helps senior citizens that meet that criteria take care of their daily duties,” White stated.

Citizens may now apply for exemption from fees regarding their solid waste disposal.

“You must completely fill out a two-sided affidavit and have it notarized. Photo identification, proof of Social Security benefits, past three consecutive months of bank statements, and proof of residence must be mailed to Post Office Box 188, Andalusia, Alabama 36420. This information may also be presented to the Solid Waste Disposal Office in the Covington County EMA Office at 260 Hillcrest Drive in Andalusia prior to Oct. 28 at 4 p.m.,” said Covington County EMA Director Susan Harris.

Those with questions about their eligibility should call 334-428-2670.

The Alabama Weatherization Assistance Program receives funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of Health and Human Services. ADECA contracts with local community action agencies and the Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission to deliver weatherization assistance to low-income households in all 67 counties across the state of Alabama.

For more information on Alabama weatherization assistance email Weatherization Coordinator Annette Shepherd at ashepherd@troycable.net.

In other business:

• The commission approved a resolution for the 77th anniversary of National Disability Awareness Month in October.
• The commission approved out-of-state travel for two Covington County Sheriff’s Department employees to participate in training in New Orleans and Havana, Florida. 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 awarding of two asphalt bids to Hunt Refining Company for an MC-70 at $4.55 per ton and CRS-2 emulsified asphalt at $2.93 per ton.
• The commission approved the solicitation of bids for additional asphalt.
• The commission approved the funding of $500 to both the Angel of Hope project and the upcoming Farmers Banquet in Opp scheduled for November. The $1,000 will be used from contingency funds.

The next meeting of the Covington County Commission will be held Tuesday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m., at the Covington County Administration Building. The public is invited to attend.