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The Covington County Commission approved three appointments and also adopted a resolution for participation in the state’s next severe weather tax holiday at a regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, Oct. 10.

Administrator Karen Sowell announced that during a recent meeting of the Personnel Review Board, two members had voluntarily stepped down from their positions.

“We had two individuals who expressed a desire to come off that board. Their term expires July 15, 2025, so we need two people to fill the unexpired term. These are usually four-year terms, but we are in need of two individuals to fill out the remainder of this term,” Sowell said.

Applications will be accepted at the county administration building until Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 5 p.m.

“The plan will be to consider applicants and fill the slots at the next meeting later this month,” Chairman Greg White added.

The commission approved re-appointments of Dist. 1 commissioner Kenneth Northey and Covington County Engineer Lynn Ralls to serve on the Wiregrass Resource, Conservation, and Development Council. Northey and Ralls will serve two-year terms.

“Both of these gentlemen have served for some time and are both willing to be re-appointed. Our county engineer has always served on this council as best as I can remember,” White said.

The commission also approved a six-year term for Billy Joe Stallworth to serve on the Department of Human Resources Board.

“This is a state agency, but they use a local board to give oversight and direction to the office. DHR serves a lot of needs to people in our county, and we appreciate what their office does. Billy has served several terms on this board and does a great job. He is faithful in attendance and participation. He offers great leadership, and I recommend we re-appoint him to the position,” White said. “If he has done well, and they like what he is doing there, I make a motion to re-appoint him,” Northey added.

The commission adopted a resolution to participate in the 2024 Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday. The Code of Alabama states the holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday of the last full weekend in February and ends at midnight on the following Sunday. More information will be released as it becomes available.

“I make a motion we adopt this resolution. We have always participated in it, and it benefits the citizens of this county,” Dist. 2 Commissioner Michael Smith said.

The commission approved the solicitation of bids for inmate communication.

“We are nearing the end of a current contract and need to start looking at bids for our inmate communication. We want to tailor the bid to our needs, and once we get that ready and approved, we will kick it off,” Sheriff Blake Turman said.

The next meeting of the Covington County Commission will be held Tuesday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m., at the Covington County Administration Building. The public is invited to attend.

Future meetings will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 14, and Tuesday, Dec. 12. There will not be a second meeting in November and December.