Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
During the meeting of the Madison County Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, June 9, the commissioners decided to continue to have the Madison County Health Department test the waters of the Withlacoochee River. Health department administrator Kim Allbritton spoke to the commissioners about the testing. She said the price tag for the continuation of testing at three locations, once per week would be approximately $4,875 through Labor Day. Allbritton said although she was willing to continue with the testing if the commissioners wished, it did result in an extra workload for the staff at the health department. It was suggested that testing could be done at one location (the Hwy. 145 bridge) at a lower cost and could put a smaller burden on the health department. Testing at the one location would cost $1,625 through Labor Day. Testing at the one location would still alert the health department to issues regarding the river's quality. The commissioners agreed to continue testing once a week at the Hwy. 145 bridge. The commissioners also asked County Manager Sherilyn Pickels to look into training other county employees to conduct the testing in order to free up the health department. Allbritton said things are “returning to normal” after over a year of battling the COVID-19 virus. COVID-19 testing continues at the health department, as well as vaccinations. Anyone wishing to have testing and/or vaccinations may contact the health department at (850) 973-5000.
Discussion took place regarding doors at the courthouse annex. It was estimated that it will take approximately $18,800 to replace doors and make them Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. There are still leftover CARES funds to replace the needed doors. The commissioners approved the project, not to exceed $25,000.
Emergency Management Director Leigh Basford spoke to the commissioners regarding the purchase of a new vehicle for the department. Basford said she had spoken to the state emergency management director and asked if there were any state funds available to make the purchase. There were state funds available for the purchase of a new vehicle, which will result in a savings for the county.
The commissioners approved a resolution updating the county's policy regarding unclaimed deceased persons in Madison County. As a result of the approval of the resolution, the commissioners approved a request to advertise a request for proposals for a contractor concerning the disposal of unclaimed deceased persons in Madison County.
The commissioners passed three proclamations. One was a proclamation passed as a consent agenda item declaring Monday, June 7 through Friday, June 11, as Code Enforcement Officers Week. The commissioners passed a proclamation declaring Sunday, June 13 through Saturday, June 19, as National Solid Waste and Recycling Workers Week. The commissioners also passed a proclamation honoring and recognizing Gray Logging, LLC. as The Forest Resources Association's 2021 National Outstanding Logger.
The commissioners agreed to set the hours for county parks as being open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., with the exception of boat ramps. This was done as a result of complaints received regarding loud music, people blocking driveways, etc. at many of the parks throughout the county. With the county setting definite operating hours for the parks, it is anticipated that many problems will be avoided.
The next meeting of the Madison County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 23, at 6 p.m. in the courthouse annex, located at 229 SW Pinckney St., in Madison.