Commission approves training for deputies

The Covington County Commission discussed and ultimately approved an out-of-state travel matter for the Sheriff’s Department during a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, March 11.

Sheriff Blake Turman, who was not present at Tuesday’s meeting, requested at a Thursday, March 6, workshop to send three of his deputies to a training in Biloxi, Mississippi.

After discussion, the commission voted to approve the training, which will be funded through the Law Enforcement Fund. Dist. 1 Commissioner Ben Courson and Dist. 4 Commissioner Tommy McGaha each voted “yes” on the matter, and Dist. 2 Commissioner Robbie Weaver and Dist. 3 Commissioner Lynne Holmes each voted “no.”

“I spoke with the sheriff and asked him about other meetings that he could do. He said this was not the same one offered locally, and I asked him to double check prices. He said he always gets the best deal,” McGaha said.

Chairman Michael Smith broke the 2-2 vote with a “yes” in favor of the training.

“I held a brief conversation with the sheriff on this matter. He said this training was as close as he could get, and I did see a benefit for our Sheriff’s Department with some of the information he presented. Seeing how he is paying out of his contingency funds, I will stand by it,” Smith said.

In other business:

• Revenue Commissioner Chuck Patterson reported that his office is close to collecting all 2024 property taxes and is working to contact remaining property owners. Patterson said any unpaid properties would be sold through an online GovEase auction on Saturday, May 17.
• Covington Area Transit Director Tami Baxley said she was approved to release an old fleet of buses and is in the process of doing so.
• The commission approved a liquor license for Shooters Bar LLC, formerly known as Adams Bar on Hwy. 52 in Opp.
• The commission approved a request from the Engineer’s Department to solicit bids for surface treatment for roadways. Engineer Lynn Ralls said the current bid would expire on Wednesday, March 19.
• The commission approved a request to use approximately $33,500 from the owner’s contingency allowance for additional work needed on the courthouse handicap ramp.
• The commission approved a request for a temporary fill-in worker until a newly hired arena and grounds supervisor can begin work.

The commission will hold its next workshop Thursday, March 20, at 9 a.m. The next meeting of the Covington County Commission will be held on Tuesday, March 25, at 9 a.m. The public is invited to attend both.