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Blake Turman recognized longtime deputy Michael Cheshire with the Covington County Sheriff’s Meritorious Service Medal during a meeting of the Covington County Commission Tuesday, April 25.

“He does a great job, and we receive a lot of great comments on him. This recognition shows what this man is made of. Deputy Cheshire was on routine patrol when he went to investigate an occupied vehicle at the Red Oak Church. Upon approach, the occupant fled from Deputy Cheshire headed north on 55 toward Andalusia. There were high speeds involved, so Deputy Cheshire made a forcible stop near the city limits of Andalusia therefore terminating the pursuit and saving lives. His act of selflessness demonstrates what is at the core of the CCSO mission: to serve and protect,” Turman said.

Cheshire currently serves as patrol deputy in the Sanford community.

“The CCSO has awesome leadership and is a great place to work. A lot of people cannot say they are happy with their job, but I really enjoy working where I am and serving the citizens of Covington County,” he said.

Revenue Commissioner Chuck Patterson stated there were 160 properties remaining on the list of delinquent tax properties.

“Those who do not pay by Wednesday, May 17, at 10 a.m. will have their properties auctioned off at the front of the courthouse. If you know individuals who still have not paid, please remind those citizens to do so,” he said.

The commission is seeking two openings for board appointments with the South Central Alabama Mental Health Board. These terms carry a six-year term and are paid mileage.

The commission approved an appropriation of $1,500 for the Alabama Junior Rodeo Association. “This is for Kindergarten through eighth grades. They hold their finals with us in June, so this money will be used to be put towards their rodeo finals,” Administrator Karen Sowell said.

Covington County has offered assistance to the AJRA for several years. “They make a great impact on our communities when they bring the event to Covington County,” Chairman Greg White added.

The commission discussed three openings for appointment to the Board of Equalization. Nominees must be competent to serve, a resident of Covington County for a minimum of five years, own taxable property in the county, be registered as a qualified voter, and not hold any public office or governmental position. Interested individuals may contact the commission or their commissioner for more information.

In other business:

• The commission approved the purchase of a patrol vehicle using discretionary funds from the state bid list.
• The commission approved out-of-state travel for any commissioners desiring to attend a national conference in Austin, Texas, and also out-of-state travel for the Engineer’s Department to deliver auction items in Mississippi. 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 discussed inmate housing with the Sheriff and approved delaying this implementation until Oct. 1. The commission will continue to discuss this matter in detail at future meetings.
• The commission spoke on the possibility of entering into an agreement with Spyglass about technology expense solutions. No action was taken, and the commission agreed to postpone further discussion to a future meeting.
• The commission approved the solicitation of bids for stone and dump trucks to be used by the Engineer’s Department.
• The commission approved the awarding of a bid for new and recycled plastic pipe to Wallace Pump and Supply, the lowest bidder.
• The commission approved the awarding of a bid for heavy-duty plastic pipe to Southern Pipe and Supply, the lowest bidder.

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