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The Jan. 9 Marengo County Commission meeting saw a change in Commission Chairman as Chairman Calvin Martin passed the gavel over to incoming Commission Chairman Fred Armstead, Jr.

Commissioner John Crawford and Armstead thanked Commissioner Martin for his leadership throughout 2023.

“He led us well, he kept us on track, and really I appreciate that and everything that you do. I know this job is tough, but we will continue on with the good work the Marengo County Commission does,” said Armstead. “We’ve got a good group of Commissioners here who care about the citizens of Marengo County, and we will always put the citizens first.”

Under departmental reports, the Commission heard and approved the annual report from County Engineer Bill Bridges regarding funds spent by the county on Rebuild Alabama road projects during the last fiscal year.

Bridges reported that an additional payment for a bridge replacement on County Road 38 was $88,896.95, which closed out that project. Payment for the resurfacing project on County Road 33 totaled at $401,274.23. Bridges said that project is “99-percent complete,” pending the application of traffic striping.

Sheriff Robert Alston, Jr reported that the jail roof is still leaking. He also requested permission to sign contracts regarding matters at the county jail, which is under his jurisdiction.

Probate Judge Laurie Hall updated the Commission on the upcoming Presidential Preference Primaries, and the State/County Primaries that will be on March 5. Hall said they have several things to do in preparation for the election such as making sure sites are “ready and are ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant”.

Hall also said that she was informed by the Board of Registrars that due to redistricting from the 2020 Census, more than 2,000 voter registration cards were mailed out to residents affected by the redistricting changes.

Other items discussed by Commission

• Probate Judge Laurie Hall reported that invitations to bid are being sent to newspapers for publishing the list of qualified electors. The Commission will open the bids during a special meeting set for Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 5:30 p.m.

The Marengo County Commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Marengo county Courthouse. The public is invited to attend.