Covington County Commission Reviews Hurricane Recovery Efforts and County Business
October 13, 2026
The Covington County Commission held its regular meeting Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in the Commission Chambers.
Chairman Michael Smith called the meeting to order. Topics included hurricane recovery efforts, courthouse security and improvements, departmental purchases, road maintenance, and other county business.
Hurricane Recovery Efforts Discussed
Covington County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Alan Syler provided an update on the county's response and recovery efforts following the hurricane.
Syler thanked everyone involved in the emergency response and recognized Josh Hudson for his assistance during the storm. He also expressed appreciation to Commissioner Lynne Holmes, County Administrator Karen Sowell, and the Commission for providing food, water, and snacks to personnel working during the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activation. Supplies were also shared with the Engineer Department as crews continued their response efforts.
Syler reported that the Director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and FEMA's regional director from Atlanta visited Covington County following the hurricane. He noted that the Opp area appeared to have sustained more damage than areas farther west and expressed hope that the county may qualify for public assistance.
County officials are working to compile storm damage assessments and related expenses, including information from utility providers serving Covington County. This information will be submitted to the state as part of the process of determining eligibility for potential disaster assistance. Syler also noted that he and County Engineer Derrick Donaldson will continue coordinating throughout the recovery process.
Commissioner Lynne Holmes asked whether residents should report damage to their homes or property. Syler confirmed that residents are encouraged to report damage to EMA, explaining that the information contributes to the county's overall damage assessment. While individual disaster assistance is not guaranteed, EMA intends to submit all damage information received.
Chairman Michael Smith also discussed the damage thresholds required for federal disaster assistance, noting that both state and county requirements must be met for certain assistance to become available.
Syler confirmed that the county's emergency proclamations and declarations were already in place and that recovery documentation and coordination would continue.
Engineer Department Provides Road Recovery Update
County Engineer Derrick Donaldson provided an update on the Engineer Department's storm response and ongoing recovery efforts.
Donaldson reported that county road crews worked throughout the weekend clearing fallen trees and debris from roadways. By Sunday evening, most county roads had been made passable, with the remaining problem areas primarily involving trees entangled with power lines. At the time of Tuesday's meeting, crews were working to clear approximately 18 remaining locations.
Donaldson praised Road Department employees for their dedication and long hours during the storm response. He also recognized the assistance of sheriff's deputies, volunteer fire departments, and community members who helped clear roadways.
Chairman Michael Smith commended the Engineer Department and other responders for their efforts to restore travel throughout the county. He also acknowledged the cooperation and support shown by residents helping their neighbors following the storm.
Donaldson explained that the department's recovery process includes three phases: emergency response, damage assessment, and debris removal. As emergency road-clearing work nears completion, the department is gathering information and documenting storm-related expenses for submission to EMA.
He noted that the timing and procedures for debris removal will depend in part on potential FEMA assistance and reimbursement requirements. The county must ensure that any debris removal efforts meet applicable guidelines to preserve eligibility for possible reimbursement.
The Engineer Department will continue working with EMA and other agencies as recovery efforts progress.
Consent Agenda Approved
The Commission approved the consent agenda, which included minutes from the September 8 and September 22 regular meetings and the September 28 special meeting, along with accounts payable and payroll for September 2026.
A correction to the September 8 meeting minutes was acknowledged before the consent agenda was approved.
Alcohol License Application Approved
The Commission approved an alcohol license application for M3S Bar and Grill Restaurant LLC.
During discussion, commissioners explained that the business, previously operating as Golden Rule, is relocating and rebranding as M3S Bar and Grill. The new location will be along Highway 55 South, just beyond the bypass.
The application was approved following a motion, second, and favorable vote by the Commission.
County Vehicle Usage Policy Reviewed
The Commission reviewed the county's existing vehicle usage policy and discussed its application across county departments.
No changes were made to the policy, and no formal action was required.
Courthouse Security Concerns Discussed
The Commission continued discussions regarding security at the Covington County Courthouse, including concerns about security coverage at public entrances.
Chairman Michael Smith noted that several potential security measures had been discussed previously and that additional options were being considered to address those concerns.
EMA Director Alan Syler explained that he had planned to present possible security options at Tuesday's meeting. However, hurricane preparations and response efforts prevented him from having those recommendations ready.
The matter was tabled for further consideration once additional information is available. No security improvements were approved during Tuesday's meeting.
USDA Contract Extension Approved
The Commission approved an extension of its lease agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
During discussion, officials explained that the USDA had proposed increasing the rental rate for the space it occupies in a county facility. The current agreement expires in December 2026, and the proposed renewal rate is $25 per square foot.
The Commission voted to approve the contract extension at the proposed rate.
Probate Courtroom and Courthouse Space Discussed
The Commission continued discussions regarding proposed courthouse improvements, including the possible relocation of the Driver License Division and the use of additional space for Probate Court operations.
A motion was made to proceed with the proposed relocation using funds available through the Probate Judge's office, contingent upon state approval of the Driver License Division's relocation. However, the motion did not receive a second and therefore did not move forward.
Probate Judge Stacy Brooks, who was present at the meeting, offered to answer questions and provide additional information regarding the proposal.
Following discussion, the Commission voted to revisit the matter at its next workshop on Thursday, October 22, to allow commissioners additional time to address their concerns.
No renovations or relocation plans were approved during Tuesday's meeting.
County Safety Coordinator Position Discussed
The Commission discussed filling the County Safety Coordinator position following Todd Grimes' resignation from that role.
During discussion, commissioners considered identifying a county employee to fill the position. The possibility of asking Grimes to continue assisting temporarily until a replacement is appointed was also discussed.
Commissioners noted that the recent hurricane had limited the time available to consider potential candidates and expressed the need for additional information before making an appointment.
No appointment was made during Tuesday's meeting. The Commission plans to revisit the matter after potential candidates have been considered.
Sheriff's Department Vehicle Purchase Deferred
The Commission considered the purchase of two 2027 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles for the Sheriff's Department at a proposed cost of $50,898.20 each through a state bid contract with McSweeney Auto Group.
Although the vehicles were included in the county's budget, commissioners expressed interest in allowing local dealerships an opportunity to submit competitive bids and provide estimated delivery timelines before proceeding with the purchase.
Following discussion, the Commission agreed to postpone the purchase while additional bids are solicited. The matter will return for consideration once the bidding process is complete.
Engineer Department Bids Considered
County Engineer Derrick Donaldson presented bids for driveway material, liquid asphalt, diesel fuel, and gasoline.
The Commission approved the driveway material bid submitted by the lowest bidder.
For liquid asphalt, the Commission awarded the bid for CRS-2 emulsified asphalt to Hunt Refining, the lowest bidder for that item. No bids were received for the other liquid asphalt item.
The Commission also approved fuel and gasoline bids, awarding contracts to the lowest bidders in each category. Davidson Fuels submitted the lowest bids for diesel fuel and smaller deliveries of regular unleaded gasoline, while Petroleum Traders submitted the lowest bid for full-tanker deliveries of regular unleaded gasoline.
Engineer Department Vehicle Declared Surplus
The Commission approved declaring a 2010 Ford F-550 from the Engineer Department as surplus property.
The vehicle has been replaced, and the County Engineer was authorized to dispose of it at his discretion.
Brogden Acres Preliminary Plat Approved
The Commission approved the preliminary subdivision plat for Brogden Acres on Brogden Road.
County Engineer Derrick Donaldson explained that the proposal involves dividing property into approximately three one-acre lots. Under county requirements, subdivisions involving lots of three acres or less must go through the plat approval process.
The preliminary approval allows the property owners to continue the required review process, including coordination with the Health Department, before returning to the Commission for final plat approval.
Engineering Software Contract Approved
The Commission approved continuing its contract with Diversified Computer Services for the Engineer Department's work order and management system.
County Engineer Derrick Donaldson explained that the software assists the department with tracking work orders, projects, and expenses. He also discussed proposed increases in service costs associated with the system's transition to a cloud-based platform.
During discussion, several commissioners expressed concerns about communication and their ability to monitor the status of maintenance requests within their districts.
Commissioner Lynne Holmes emphasized the importance of receiving accurate updates on submitted requests, including whether work has been completed, postponed, or determined to be unnecessary. Other commissioners expressed similar concerns and stressed the need for better communication between the Engineer Department and commissioners.
Donaldson explained that maintenance requests are reviewed, prioritized, and assigned to department personnel based on the nature and urgency of the work.
Commissioners acknowledged the value of the software for tracking county projects and expenses while emphasizing the need to improve communication and reporting.
Following discussion, the Commission voted to continue the service.
Bridge Repair Update
During commissioner discussion, Commissioner Lynne Holmes requested an update on ongoing bridge repairs.
County Engineer Derrick Donaldson reported that work had progressed, with one portion completed and another underway. However, additional work is temporarily on hold while the department awaits a necessary crane part that has already been ordered.
Election Reminder
Probate Judge Stacy Brooks reminded residents that the General Election will be held Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
The last day to register to vote is Monday, October 19, 2026.
Upcoming Commission Meetings
The next Commission Workshop will be held Thursday, October 22, at 9:00 a.m.
The next Regular Commission Meeting will be held Tuesday, October 27, at 9:00 a.m.
Both meetings will take place 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.
