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The Covington County Commission heard from representatives of Origis Energy during its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 27, as the company presented a proposed road improvement project for Teel Creek Road.

Jason Thomas, speaking on behalf of Origis, explained that recent negotiations with Alabama Power had delayed the start of proposed solar projects due to ongoing commercial uncertainties.

“I will repeat our pledge here not to seek tax abatement,” Thomas said. “The civil design for the Teel Creek Road needs to meet Alabama Power’s standards. What we are asking you today is permission to negotiate for a road improvement agreement specific to Teel Creek Road.”

Thomas added that Alabama Power would eventually take ownership of the land and substation involved in the project.

“Teel Creek Road would need a 20-foot uniform width, uniform six-inch gravel path, and a 15- to 30-foot driveway. We don’t believe we need an additional right of way. If additional right of way is needed, we will work with the owners, compensate them for that, and convey that to the county.”

The project would begin at the end of Padgett Road.

“We don’t believe there are any improvements needed on Padgett Road. It would just be from the turn off there back into the Roland property,” Thomas stated.

Thomas emphasized that Origis would assume the full cost of improvements and work with a contractor licensed in Alabama.

“The county engineer would be provided the plans for review, and we will name the county as an additional insured party. Our improvements will be constructed in accordance with Alabama Power design standards. We will post a bond for the benefit of the county and the contract amount prior to starting work. We will indemnify the county against any claims and ask the county engineer to sign off on the permits,” he said.

Dist. 2 Commissioner Robbie Weaver noted he had received feedback from local landowners about the proposed work.

“I had one landowner from the Gibbons family reach out to me prior to the last meeting. I had one who opposed that has reached out to me,” Weaver said.

Dist. 3 Commissioner Lynne Holmes asked for clarification on the intended use of the road improvements. Specifically, she questioned whether the project would serve as an entrance to a future solar farm.

“That’s correct. It will not (be an entrance) and be only for the substation. The road going north to Teel Creek Road would eventually be turned over to Alabama Power. The Teel Creek Road, as it exists today, will be improved to their (Alabama Power’s) standards,” Thomas responded.

Chairman Michael Smith asked why Alabama Power had not addressed the commission directly, considering the project would adhere to their standards.

“I don’t know the answer to that,” Thomas replied.

Following the presentation, the commission declined to take action on the current proposal. Instead, they directed the county engineer and county attorney to develop a revised agreement that would better protect the county’s interests and address long-term maintenance concerns for both Teel Creek and Padgett roads, with consideration for nearby landowners.

In other business, the commission:

• Authorized Sheriff Blake Turman to apply for the COPS Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, with the understanding that any matching funds would require future approval.
• Approved a contingent agreement with the Alabama High School Rodeo Association to host additional events at the Covington Center Arena, pending final approval at an AHSRA meeting in June.
• Approved a contract with West Gulf Diving Adventures, LLC to assist the assistant county engineer with underwater inspections on bridge projects.
• Authorized the solicitation of bids for sand and gravel for county use.
• Approved the hiring of a new maintenance worker for the Covington Center Arena.
• Heard updates from Dist. 1 Commissioner Ben Courson on economic development in Opp, including the opening of Patriot Fuel Station, the upcoming launch of the Bobcat Den, and plans for a new auction house in the former Custom Collars building.

The commission will hold its next workshop on Wednesday, June 4, at 9 a.m. The next meeting of the Covington County Commission will be held on Tuesday, June 10, at 9 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend both.