Covington County public meetings in 2025

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The Covington County Commission will vote on participation in a liability self‑insurance fund. It will also recommend a retail beer license for Dallas Henderson Grocery and a restaurant retail liquor license for Sidelines Sports Bar and Grill LLC. Additional items include a resolution for RBS Evolution of Oklahoma LLC, requests from the sheriff, and solicitation of bids for a local lime base.

• Consider Participation in Liability Self-Insurance Fund
• Consider Recommendation for Retail Beer (Off Premises Only) License for Dallas Henderson Grocery
• Consider Recommendation for Restaurant Retail Liquor License for Sidelines Sports Bar and Grill LLC
• Consider Resolution for RBS Evolution of Oklahoma LLC
• Consider Solicitation of Bids for Specified Local Lime Base

The Covington County Commission met on Dec. 16, 2025 and reviewed the November 2025 disbursements. A motion by Commissioner Holmes, seconded by Commissioner Weaver, approved the accounts payable of $1,966,507.06 and payroll transfers of $743,756.54 (total $2,710,263.60). The motion passed unanimously. No other decisions were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved November 2025 accounts payable $1,966,507.06 and payroll $743,756.54 (total $2,710,263.60) (unanimous)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The Covington County Commission scheduled a special meeting on December 15, 2025, to conduct interviews with applicants for the County Engineer position. The meeting is open to the public and complies with the Alabama Open Meetings Act. No decisions are indicated; the purpose is to evaluate candidates.

• County Engineer applicant interviews

The Covington County Commission held a special meeting to interview candidates for County Engineer. No hiring decision was made. The commission voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:33 a.m.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The Covington County Commission will approve minutes and financial items on the consent agenda, then address several old‑business items such as amending the organizational chart, a retiree insurance resolution, and the Alabama Little Britches contract. New‑business items include resolutions on SSUT and an ABC license, announcements of a pay supplement and employee luncheon, and proposals for building improvements, a candy‑land sponsorship, a vehicle purchase for the Sheriff’s Department, and a bid solicitation for shavings.

• Consider Purchase of Vehicles for Sheriff’s Department
• Consider Amending the Organizational Chart
• Consider Adopting Retiree Insurance Resolution
• Consider Flooring Improvements for Admin Building
• Consider Solicitation of Bid for Shavings

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The Covington County Commission will consider several approvals, including the bridge piling award, a contract with Alabama Little Britches, and a traffic enforcement agreement. It will also review changes to the organizational chart, approve the county pageant, and decide on the retiree insurance policy. Additionally, the commission will appoint members to the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission and approve minutes from the October 14 meeting.

• Consider Approval of Contract with Alabama Little Britches
• Award Bid for Bridge Piling
• Consider Approval of Traffic Enforcement Agreement
• Consider Changes to the Organizational Chart
• Consider Approval of the Retiree Insurance Policy

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the October 14 meeting. It appointed Zollie Hudson, Willie Byrd, Gayle Robbins, and Commissioner Courson to vacant positions on the Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission. The commission also authorized the Covington County pageant, approved a traffic‑enforcement agreement, tabled changes to the organizational chart, and awarded bridge‑piling and component bids to Skyline Steel and Conecuh Bridge.

• Approved October 14, 2025 minutes (unanimously passed)
• Appointed Zollie Hudson, Willie Byrd, Gayle Robbins, and Commissioner Courson to board positions (unanimously passed)
• Authorized Covington County pageant (unanimously passed)
• Approved traffic enforcement agreement (unanimously passed)
• Tabled organizational chart changes until next meeting (unanimously passed)
• Awarded bridge piling and component bids to Skyline Steel and Conecuh Bridge (unanimously passed)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The Commission will meet to discuss various administrative appointments and procurement requests. The body is considering several purchases for the Maintenance Department and the jail, as well as a retiree insurance policy.

• Appointments for Southeast Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission
• Appointments for Covington County Recreation Board
• Approval of Retiree Insurance Policy
• Purchase of vehicle and lift for Maintenance Department
• Purchase of washing machine for Jail

The commission approved the minutes from the September 18 workshop, September 23 regular meeting, and September 29 special meeting. It also approved the September 2025 payroll and accounts payable disbursements totaling $3,340,366.30. Both motions were made by Commissioner McGaha, seconded by Commissioner Weaver, and passed unanimously.

• Approved September 18, 2025 workshop, September 23, 2025 regular meeting, and September 29, 2025 special meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved September 2025 payroll and accounts payable disbursements of $3,340,366.30 (unanimous)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The Covington County Commission will meet on September 29, 2025 to consider two items of new business. Commissioners will review and vote on the proposed 2026 holiday schedule. They will also consider the fiscal year 2026 budget. An executive session is scheduled after the public agenda items.

• Consider approval of 2026 Holiday Schedule
• Consider approval of FY 2026 Budget
• Executive Session (closed meeting)

The commission unanimously approved the 2026 holiday schedule, adding Juneteenth. It also unanimously approved the FY 2026 budget as presented. The body voted to enter an executive session to discuss pending litigation matters.

• Approved 2026 holiday schedule (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2026 budget (unanimous)
• Entered executive session (all commissioners voted Yes)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The Covington County Commission will meet to approve minutes, consider surplus property for the CATS Department, and adopt the FY 2026 budget. The agenda includes items regarding the Alabama Department of Youth Services Detention Center, a ramp reimbursement request, and the awarding of a bid for liquid asphalt.

• Approval of FY 2026 Budget
• Declaration of Surplus for CATS Department
• Award of Bid for Liquid Asphalt (CRS2)
• Approval of Alabama Department of Youth Services Detention Center
• Appointment to Florala Airport Authority Board

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from recent meetings, declared surplus CATS tablets for disposal, and selected the Southeast Alabama Diversion Center as the county's juvenile detention facility. It also appointed Robert Thomas to the Florala Airport Authority Board, approved a landscaping quote pending an irrigation cost limit, transferred registrar working days, adopted a resolution to reestablish the Recreation Board (with one dissent), and awarded the liquid‑asphalt contract to Hunt Refining Company.

• Approved September 4 and September 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Declared CATS tablets surplus for disposal via GovDeals (unanimous)
• Approved Southeast Alabama Diversion Center as juvenile detention facility (unanimous)
• Appointed Robert Thomas to Florala Airport Authority Board (unanimous)
• Approved landscaping quote for admin building and courthouse, pending irrigation cost not exceeding $30,000 (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of working days between registrars (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution to reestablish Covington County Recreation Board (majority; Weaver voted no)
• Awarded liquid asphalt bid to Hunt Refining Company (unanimous)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The Covington County Commission will hold a public workshop to discuss the consent agenda, old and new business, and staff reports. No specific legislative actions or contracts are listed on the agenda.

The September 18, 2025 commission meeting was largely discussion‑focused with no formal approvals, denials, or votes recorded. Commissioners reviewed surplus tablets, a ramp reimbursement request, airport board reappointment terms, landscaping, and working‑day transfers, but took no action on these items. The commission did schedule a Safety Incentive & Recognition Program luncheon for September 30, 2025.

• Scheduled Safety Incentive & Recognition Program luncheon for Sep 30, 2025

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The Covington County Commission meeting will review several contract renewals, such as the agreement with municipalities for inmate housing, the Town of Sanford deputy contract, and the contract with the Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging. The board will also announce expirations for the County Department of Human Resources and the Wiregrass Resource, Conservation, & Development Council. An award of a bid for seed and fertilizer will be considered, along with a SSUT resolution.

• Consider Contract Renewal with Municipalities for Inmate Housing
• Consider Contract Renewal for Town of Sanford Deputy
• Consider Contract Renewal with Southern Alabama Regional Council on Aging (SARCOA)
• Consider Award of Bid for Seed & Fertilizer
• Announce Board Expiration for Covington County Department of Human Resources

The commission unanimously approved the minutes for the August 7, 12, 25, and 26 meetings. They also unanimously approved the August 2025 payroll and accounts payable disbursements totaling $2,346,081.00.

• Approved August meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved August payroll and accounts payable disbursements of $2,346,081.00 (unanimous)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The Covington County Commission convened a special meeting on September 9, 2025. After standard opening procedures, the commission scheduled a budget workshop as the primary new business item. No other decisions or proposals were listed.

• Call to Order; Establish Quorum; Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
• Welcome Guests and News Media
• Budget Workshop (new business)

During the FY 2026 budget workshop, the commission identified problems with each department's telephone expense line. County Administrator Karen L. Sowell said her accounts‑payable clerk and the IT Director will review those bills and adjust the budget. The commissioners also agreed to set aside more time to meet with Sowell to explore possible budget cuts.

• County Administrator to have accounts‑payable clerk and IT Director review telephone line items and correct budgets
• Commissioners to schedule additional time with the Administrator to discuss potential budget cuts

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The Covington County Commission met at 9:00 a.m., heard public comments about Murray Road, and discussed several contract renewals, board appointments, the FY 2026 budget, and a proposed SSUT resolution. No formal votes were taken on those items. The meeting was formally adjourned at 9:41 a.m. by a unanimous motion.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote) at 9:41 a.m.

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The commission voted unanimously to join the opioid settlement and sign the allocation agreement. It also approved the purchase of a drone kit for emergency damage estimates and adopted the FY 2026 transportation plan covering road projects in all four districts. In‑kind services for a county flag‑football field were approved pending confirmation of overtime pay, and a motion to end Thursday workshops after September 2025 passed by a majority vote. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved participation in opioid settlement and allocation agreement (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of drone kit ($5,000‑$10,000) for EMA Department (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2026 transportation plan with district road projects (unanimous)
• Approved in‑kind services for LBW flag‑football field, contingent on pay findings (unanimous)
• Approved motion to stop Thursday workshops every other week after September 2025 (majority; Holmes voted no)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The commission voted to enter an executive session to discuss pending litigation matters. All four commissioners—Ben Courson, Robbie Weaver, Lynne Holmes, and Tommy McGaha—voted Yes. No further action was taken after the session, and the meeting adjourned at 10:10 a.m.

• Motion to enter executive session approved unanimously (4-0)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The commission voted to approve the minutes from the July 17 workshop and the July 22 regular meeting. They also approved the July 2025 payroll and accounts‑payable disbursements totaling $3,265,128.01. Both actions passed unanimously.

• Approve July 17, 2025 workshop and July 22, 2025 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approve July 2025 payroll ($665,224.06) and accounts payable ($2,599,903.95) disbursements, total $3,265,128.01 (unanimous)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The commission discussed several proposals, including solid‑waste dumpsters, digital bulletin boards, and advertising signs, but no votes were recorded on those items. A motion to convene an executive session to review pending litigation matters was put to a vote. All four commissioners voted Yes, so the motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:43 a.m.

• Entered executive session (unanimous approval by all four commissioners)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The commission unanimously approved the FY 2026 contract with the Department of Human Resources for the CATS Department. A majority vote appointed Kenneth Northey to the Personnel Review Board and directed outreach to Cynthia Donaldson. The disposal of the surplus sheriff's vehicle by sealed bids and the solicitation of bids for the Eden Creek Bridge were also unanimously approved. Dates for the August workshop and meeting were changed to morning times by unanimous vote.

• Approved minutes for July 3 workshop and July 8 meeting (unanimous)
• Appointed Kenneth Northey to Personnel Review Board; Holmes abstained (majority)
• Approved sealed‑bid disposal method for surplus sheriff's vehicle (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2026 contract with Department of Human Resources for CATS Department (unanimous)
• Nominated Commissioner McGaha for ACCA Legislative Committee Representative (unanimous)
• Approved solicitation of bids for Eden Creek Bridge components and piling (unanimous)
• Changed August workshop to Aug 25 9:00 a.m. and meeting to Aug 26 9:00 a.m. (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The Covington County Commission voted to enter an executive session to discuss pending litigation matters. All four commissioners voted Yes (4-0). No further actions were taken and the meeting adjourned at 5:46 p.m.

• Entered executive session (4-0)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The commission unanimously approved the June 19 and June 24 meeting minutes and approved a retail beer license for Beat Da Beach (3‑1, with one abstention). It adopted Resolution 25‑07‑08‑01 ratifying the county‑wide school sales tax levy to support approximately $9.955 million in Opp City school bonds (3‑1, one no vote). Additional actions approved unanimously included seeking a new administrator for certain grant programs, FY 2025 certifications for the CATS assistance program, a pass‑through agreement for the same program, out‑of‑state travel for two sheriff’s department investigators, and an $80,811 contract with Southern Software for a jail management system.

• Approve June 19 and June 24 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approve retail beer license for Beat Da Beach (3‑1, Holmes abstained)
• Adopt resolution ratifying county school sales tax levy for Opp City school bonds (3‑1, Holmes voted no)
• Approve action to seek new administrator for certain grant programs (unanimous)
• Approve FY 2025 CATS certifications and assurances (unanimous)
• Approve pass‑through agreement for FY 2025 CATS program (unanimous)
• Approve out‑of‑state travel for sheriff investigators (unanimous)
• Approve Southern Software contract for jail management system ($80,811) (unanimous)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The Covington County Commission unanimously approved moving into an executive session to review legal options for pending litigation. All four commissioners voted Yes. The workshop was adjourned at 9:44 a.m. No other formal actions were recorded.

• Entered executive session to discuss legal options for pending litigation (4-0)
• Workshop adjourned at 9:44 a.m.

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The commission approved the minutes from four recent meetings. It denied a resolution from the Opp City Board of Education. It adopted resolutions continuing the county’s severe‑weather and school‑item sales‑tax holidays, effective September 1 2025. It also approved courthouse ADA change orders, authorized an appraisal of county property, reappointed two E911 board members, and approved FY 2024 tax insolvent and error amounts.

• Approved minutes for May 22, May 27, June 4, and June 10 meetings (unanimously)
• Denied adoption of Opp City Board of Education resolution (motion failed, no second)
• Adopted resolution continuing severe‑weather preparedness sales‑tax exemption (unanimously)
• Adopted resolution continuing school‑item sales‑tax exemption (unanimously)
• Approved ADA ramp change orders proposals three, five, and six (unanimously)
• Authorized Administrator to obtain appraisal on county real property (unanimously)
• Reappointed two members to the Covington County E911 Board (unanimously)
• Approved FY 2024 insolvents, errors, and tax litigations (unanimously)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The commission held a workshop, reviewed prior minutes and discussed items such as a sales‑tax exemption resolution, an amateur‑radio proclamation, ADA‑ramp handrail options, board expirations, a retail beer license, and FY 2024 tax settlements. No votes or adoption motions were recorded, so no decisions were formally approved, denied, or tabled. The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the May 8, 2025 workshop and May 13, 2025 regular meeting. It also approved the May 2025 payroll and accounts payable disbursements totaling $2,444,579.69. No other items were decided during the meeting.

• Approved May 8 2025 workshop and May 13 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved May 2025 payroll and accounts payable disbursements totaling $2,444,579.69 (unanimous)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The commission approved the purchase of a single mower max for the county's maintenance budget. No other items were approved, denied, or tabled during the meeting. Topics such as the AC unit replacement, audio/video equipment surplus, upcoming bid openings, and evening meeting times were left for future consideration.

• Approved purchase of one mower max for county maintenance (no vote tally provided)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The commission unanimously denied Origis Energy’s proposed road‑improvement contract for Teel Creek Road. It unanimously approved the sheriff’s application for the COPS grant. It approved a flat‑fee contract with the Alabama High School Rodeo Association for arena events. It also approved a $6,000 contract with West Gulf Diving Adventures for bridge pile encasement work, approved solicitation of sand and gravel bids, and added an additional maintenance worker for the Covington Center Arena.

• Denied Origis Energy road‑improvement contract (unanimous)
• Approved sheriff’s COPS grant application (unanimous)
• Approved contract with Alabama High School Rodeo Association (unanimous)
• Approved $6,000 contract with West Gulf Diving Adventures, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved solicitation of bids for sand and gravel (unanimous)
• Approved addition of a second maintenance worker for Covington Center Arena (unanimous)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The commission heard requests from Origis Energy for a road agreement, the sheriff for a COPS grant, the Alabama High School Rodeo Association for arena use, West Gulf Diving Adventures for bridge maintenance, and a solicitation for sand and gravel bids. No approvals, denials, or votes were recorded, and the meeting adjourned without substantive decisions.

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the April 17 workshop and April 22 regular meeting. It also unanimously approved the April 2025 payroll and accounts payable disbursements, totaling $3,141,133.32. Revenue Commissioner noted 174 unpaid tax parcels totaling $75,000 with a tax sale scheduled for May 16, 2025.

• Approved minutes for April 17, 2025 workshop and April 22, 2025 regular meeting (unanimous)
• Approved April 2025 payroll ($975,507.10) and accounts payable ($2,165,626.22) totaling $3,141,133.32 (unanimous)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The Covington County Commission met on May 8, 2025, discussed several agenda items, and then unanimously approved a motion to adjourn. The meeting was officially closed at 9:47 a.m. No other actions were formally approved, denied, or tabled.

• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The Covington County Commission approved several items, including the bridge maintenance contract, placement of a server at the E911 office, and the award of a bid to S&C Materials & Paving for bituminous surface treatment. It also reappointed Rebecca Mauldin to the South Central Alabama Mental Health Board, declared surplus equipment for disposal, and granted $200 funding from each commissioner to the county robotics club. All motions were passed unanimously.

• Approved bridge maintenance and inspection contract for Opine and Potter Roads (unanimously)
• Approved placement of county-owned server at E911 office for evidence storage (unanimously)
• Approved use of county vehicles for out‑of‑state travel of four sheriff deputies (unanimously)
• Reappointed Rebecca Mauldin to South Central Alabama Mental Health Board (unanimously)
• Declared maintenance department items surplus for GovDeals disposal (unanimously)
• Declared IT department computers, printers, cameras, and phones surplus for GovDeals disposal or destruction (unanimously)
• Awarded bid to S&C Materials & Paving for bituminous surface treatment (unanimously)
• Approved $200 funding from each commissioner to the Covington County Robotics Club (unanimously)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The commission voted to enter an executive session, with all four commissioners voting Yes. After the executive session, the commission unanimously approved a motion to adjourn the meeting. No other substantive actions were formally approved.

• Motion to enter executive session approved (unanimous vote)
• Motion to adjourn meeting approved (unanimous vote)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the March 20 workshop and March 25 regular meeting. It also unanimously approved the March 2025 payroll and accounts payable disbursements totaling $3,093,234.19. No other items were decided during the meeting.

• Approved March 20, 2025 workshop and March 25, 2025 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved March 2025 payroll and accounts payable disbursements of $3,093,234.19 (unanimous)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The commission voted to adjourn to an executive session, with all four commissioners voting yes. After the executive session, the commission unanimously voted to adjourn the regular meeting. The jail administrator’s request for $35,000 in miscellaneous law‑enforcement funds was approved at $20,000.

• Adjourn to executive session (4-0 vote)
• Adjourn regular meeting (unanimous 4-0 vote)
• Approve $20,000 of requested $35,000 miscellaneous jail funds

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The commission unanimously approved a $301,675.60 bid from Al Hill Boiler Sales & Repair, Inc. to install new boilers at the county jail. It also approved several other items, including declaring surplus vans and pews, renovating the courthouse security desk, and hiring staff. A motion to reopen the temporary arena position failed 2‑3, but the commission then unanimously hired John Perrett for that role.

• Approved minutes for March 6 and March 11 meetings (unanimous)
• Declared former fleet vans surplus (unanimous)
• Awarded $301,675.60 boiler contract to Al Hill Boiler Sales & Repair, Inc. (unanimous)
• Declared jail chapel pews surplus (unanimous)
• Approved courthouse security desk renovations with quartz top (unanimous)
• Hired Phillip Anderson as maintenance director (unanimous)
• Motion to reopen temporary arena position failed (2‑3 vote)
• Hired John Perrett for temporary arena position (unanimous)

Commission Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The March 20, 2025 meeting featured public comments on regional planning, a request for a tax abatement from Origis Energy, a proposal to declare five vans surplus, and information on a $301,675.60 boiler bid for the jail. No motions were voted on or formally approved, denied, or tabled during the session.