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The Covington County Commission recognized the county’s five all-state football players and former Covington County Babe Ruth Baseball president at a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23.

The commission presented proclamations to Kol Petrey, Landen Marshall, Rayshon Coleman, Elijah McMeans, and Parker Black for selection to the ASWA All-State Football teams.

The commission also presented a proclamation to Jonathan McKinney for his tenure as Covington County Babe Ruth Baseball president for five years and an additional five years as the vice-president.

“Jonathan has volunteered for several years to help thousands of kids here in Covington County. He gets calls almost every night and goes to the bank every other day. He helps children you have never heard of who do not have the funds to play youth sports. This is what makes Covington County and the place we live such a wonderful place. God bless Jonathan, and we are so thankful for him and his many years of service. Please join the commission and me for honoring him for all he has done for the kids of Covington County,” County Recreation Board Chairman Jed Blackwell said.

“We appreciate those who volunteer, and there are dozens who have done so for many years. Thank you for your continued contribution,” Commission Chairman Greg White added.

Revenue Commissioner Chuck Patterson addressed the commission with an update on collections made from the 2023 tax year.

“It started in October, and we are still working on it. The deadline for the delinquent list was Dec. 31. We are down to $1 million in uncollected taxes from a total billed of $16 million. I gave the commissioners a list of business and personal property that has not been paid. Thanks to some of the citizens in Covington County, we have granted approximately 500 over-65 exemptions for this year,” Patterson said.

In other business:

• The commission approved five re-appointments to the Covington County Recreation Board. Dr. Andrew Carter and Brian Cox will serve two-year terms. Shane Cook, Jed Blackwell, and Paul Whatley will serve one-year terms.
• The commission approved the re-appointment of Susan Harris to the Organized Community Action Program (OCAP) board on a five-year term. OCAP serves several South Alabama counties by seeking solutions to social and economic problems related to poverty.
• The commission approved the appointment of Patricia Gunter to the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission board. Gunter previously served as an alternate board member. This Commission serves Covington and six other Wiregrass counties, primarily providing support services for local entities, revolving loan funds for small businesses, and other community development efforts.
• The commission adopted a new model floodplain ordinance as presented subject to final review and approval by the county attorney.
• The commission postponed the consideration of a new contract with the Covington County Board of Education related to providing school resource officers to a future meeting.
• The commission adopted a policy change for county employees’ travel expenses.
• The commission approved participating in the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet at the same level as in previous years.
• The commission approved an increase to $100 rent rate increase for the Stokes Lodge voting precinct. They also approved an increase for all other locations.
• The commission approved declaring a 2014 Dodge Caravan, two 2004 Freightliner M2’s, and a 1985 International in the Sheriff’s Department as surplus to be listed through a GovDeals auction.
• The commission approved the disposal of five trucks, to be replaced by three trucks, for the Engineer’s Department. These items will be sold through Wood Auction or such other auction as deemed appropriate.
• The commission approved an amendment to workforce classification as presented in regard to personnel changes within the Engineer’s Department.
• CATS Director Tami Baxley said two new vans had arrived but did not meet correct specifications. Baxley said she would be returning the vans to the state.

The next meeting of the Covington County Commission will be held Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 9 a.m., at the Covington County Administration Building. The public is invited to attend.