By Sherri Blevins
Over the years, many residents in Jackson County have suffered from water woes. Lack of access to clean water has been a problem many people have faced. Hopefully, a step has been taken in the right direction to rectify the water problems.
At the January 24, 2022, Jackson County Commission meeting, Jackson County Commissioners approved a resolution to form a committee to create a prioritized list of water and sewer projects needed in the County. Chairman Nance explained that this move was necessary because, currently, legislators are in session, and they are considering a new bill that would distribute state American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds to counties and municipal governments. $225 million from the funds will be allocated for water and sewer projects and will be awarded through matching grants administered by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). Chairman Nance stated, “In our consideration of this, I would offer that to develop a committee to look across our County and work with the water authorities that would allow us to get a list of projects that were needed to be done across the County and we would be able to establish some priority for those projects that we could then work with our water authorities and submit to ADEM for their consideration and approval.” The Commission approved the committee.
Also, during the meeting, the Commission filled many vacancies in the Jackson County Public Works department. Three highway maintenance technician vacancies and two mechanic vacancies were filled. An administrative assistant for the Jackson County Commission office was also hired.
The Commission made two budget amendments. Based on the auditor’s recommendation, they reclassified the premium pay account coding and the SSUT Revenue Account. This move was necessary after receiving clarification of the rules with the ARPA reimbursement policy.
A second resolution was passed during the meeting. This resolution provided for the treatment of the standard allowance for the revenue replacement from the County’s American Rescue Plan Act Fiscal Recovery Fund. The resolution allows the county government to take $10 million in revenue loss and simplifies the process of justifying the spending. It allows these revenue loss funds to expand into government service activities that the Commission is responsible for as a governing body of Jackson County.
Finally, the Commission voted to appoint Kelly Jones for an unexpired term to the Jackson County Health Care Authority Board.
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