County welcomes new EMA Deputy Director
The Covington County Commission met in regular session on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, with all commissioners present. Chairman Smith called the meeting to order, Sheriff Blake Turman led the invocation, and Chairman Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance.
There were no scheduled public hearings, public comments from citizens, or awards and presentations.
County Welcomes New Deputy EMA Director
During comments from elected and appointed officials, Covington County Emergency Management Director Alan Syler introduced Josh Hudson as the county’s new Deputy Director of Emergency Management.
Hudson comes to Covington County after spending a number of years in law enforcement, including service with the Opp Police Department.
Consent Agenda Approved
Commissioner McGaha made a motion to approve the consent agenda, which included minutes from the July 28 and August 11 regular meetings. Commissioner Holmes seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted in favor.
There was no old business, and the Commission moved into new business.
Planning and Development Commission Appointment
The Commission approved a change to Covington County’s representation on the Southeast Alabama Planning and Development Commission.
Zollie Hudson previously served as the county’s regular member while serving as a councilman for the Town of Horn Hill, with Commissioner Courson serving as the alternate. Because Hudson has resigned from the Horn Hill Town Council and regular members must be elected officials, the two will exchange roles.
Commissioner Courson will now serve as the regular member, while Zollie Hudson will serve as the alternate. Commissioner Holmes made the motion, Commissioner Weaver seconded, and all commissioners voted in favor.
SARCOA Contract Renewed
The Commission approved renewal of the Title III Contract for the SARCOA Program for FY 2027.
The county has participated in the program for numerous years, and the action was a renewal with no changes to the existing agreement.
Commissioner McGaha made the motion, Commissioner Weaver seconded, and all commissioners voted in favor.
Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday Announced
Chairman Smith announced that the 2027 Severe Weather Preparedness Tax Holiday will be held February 26-28, 2027.
The tax holiday includes qualifying severe weather preparedness items such as weather radios and generators. A complete list of eligible items will be released closer to the event.
Shavings Bids Approved
The Commission approved bids for Large, Fine, and Extra Fine Shavings from Tractor Supply and Fly Away Specialty Shavings from Bayhorse.
A total of four bids were received; however, one bidder did not follow the required guidelines for its response.
Commissioner Courson made the motion, Commissioner McGaha seconded, and all commissioners voted in favor.
Covington Center Arena Policies Discussed
Commissioners discussed policies for the Covington Center Arena following concerns regarding the use of electronic recreational vehicles inside the main arena.
The county attorney will work on drafting revisions to the current rules for the Commission to consider at a later date.
Until new rules are approved, electronic recreational vehicles will not be allowed inside the building.
Forestry Overtime Grant Approved
The Commission approved the Forestry Overtime Grant for the Covington County Sheriff’s Department, pending additional discussion between the county attorney and the Sheriff.
The grant began in July and totals $4,136, providing reimbursement of $30 per hour worked and 75 cents per mile driven.
Commissioner Holmes made the motion, Commissioner McGaha seconded, and all commissioners voted in favor.
FY 2027 Rebuild Alabama Transportation Plan Approved
The Commission approved the FY 2027 Rebuild Alabama Transportation Plan.
One of the major points of this year’s plan is the omission of new paving projects as the county works to catch up on approximately nine to ten roads from the previous two years.
The plan will also continue paving on Prestwood Bridge Road. Last year, paving was completed from the bridge to Glisson Road. Under the FY 2027 plan, paving will continue from Glisson Road to Plywood Mill Road.
Commissioner McGaha made the motion, Commissioner Weaver seconded, and all commissioners voted in favor.
Right-of-Way Mowing Approved
The Commission also approved contracting out right-of-way mowing to the previous bidder who was awarded the work as an option under the county’s annual bid.
Commissioner McGaha made the motion, Commissioner Holmes seconded, and all commissioners voted in favor.
Libertyville Storm Shelter Discussed
During commissioner comments, Commissioner Weaver discussed a recent Town Hall meeting he attended in Libertyville.
Members of the Libertyville Town Council expressed interest in pursuing a storm shelter grant. Commissioner Weaver said the town had previously been informed by the state that there had been no fatalities in the area to support the request.
At the request of the Libertyville Town Council, Commissioner Weaver asked that the county further explore possible options for a storm shelter in the community.
EMA Director Alan Syler will look further into possible opportunities.
Next Meeting
With no further business, the Commission adjourned.
The next scheduled meeting of the Covington County Commission will be held Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Commission Chambers.
The public is invited to attend.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
