For months the Chilton County Commission has been working closely with the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office and Millennium Risk Managers to sort out a better solution for the increased rates associated with inmate healthcare.

The results of those discussions are now showing up, as the county has seen a savings of 82.66 percent since developing the new agreement. That is an equivalent of $396,417.90.

During the Commission meeting on July 9, Commissioner Joseph Parnell thanked the staff at MRM and gave special recognition to Gerald Mims with the Sheriff’s Office for his diligence to stay on top of the costs.

Bob Prescott with LED Solution in Montgomery spoke during the public comments portion of the meeting about the possibility of installing LED lighting in the jail and courthouse.

Chairman Allen Caton proposed the idea that Prescott arrange a time to meet with County Engineer Tony Wearren so that more information can be gathered.

In other news from the meeting:

• The road department was granted permission to hire Rusty Merrell and Patrick Christofides as truck drivers.
• The Commission approved to amend a line item in connection with the Sheriff’s Office to reflect an increase of $13,000 for the cost of recently acquired new vests.
• Chilton County Transit was approved to advertise for three drivers instead of one driver, which had been approved at the previous meeting.
• The estimated cost for the construction planned in the district attorney office and 911 office is $39,369 at this time.
• Commissioner Jimmie Hardee was given permission to check on the cost required if the Commission was to live stream its meetings.
• The Hospital Board nominated Terri Connell and the IDB Board nominated Monica Cooper. The nominations for both boards will remain open until the next Commission meeting on July 23.
• Parnell motioned to pay for fans for Union Grove Volunteer Fire Department for the upcoming Primary runoff, but the county would retain ownership of them. Caton will take the proposal to the fire department.
• Permission was granted to advertise for a public hearing for Cannon Patel, who is doing business as Lake Mitchell One Stop, to apply for an alcohol license.
• The meeting was adjourned with an executive session to discuss pending litigation.
• The Commission approved the minutes from the June 25 meeting.
• The Commission approved to pay its bills.