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The Chilton County Commission passed a resolution declaring a local state of emergency for the county in relation to the coronavirus pandemic on April 14.

According to Commission Chairman Joseph Parnell, the declaration was not made as a result of an increased number of cases in county but is more of a precautionary measure.

“It’s in place to help with any issues that may come up and any federal disaster money that may come available,” Parnell said.

The resolution also makes sure that the number of jobs held by first responders and emergency personnel are maintained during the pandemic.

The Commission was the latest entity to follow suit, as many of the other municipalities had recently issued local state of emergencies as well.

The Commission also agree to extend the closure of the courthouse and tag office to the public until the end of April, unless Gov. Kay Ivey moves up or back the state’s stay-at-home order deadline. In that case, the county would follow the state’s decision.

Steve Langston was the lone commissioner who voted against the resolution to extend the closure.

Other news from the meeting:

-A correction was made from a previous meeting to Dorothy Mayfield’s rate of pay as a part-time corrections officer.

-A partial payment of $27,072.52 was approved to Independent Fence. The amount was taken from the jail maintenance fund.

-A resolution passed to allow the Commission chairman to sign the fiscal year 2020 Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program grant for the Chilton County Airport.

-A road department line item transfer of $8,000 from construction equipment to tires & tubes was approved.

-A 2010 Ford F-150 and 2011 Ford F-250 were declared surplus. Both vehicles will be sold on GovDeals.com.

-The resignation of Alex Davison as road department mechanic was accepted. It was effective April 10.

-Yuri Gothard was moved from mechanic co-op to mechanic full-time with the road department at a rate of $14 per hour. The move was effective April 15.

-Timothy Chappell was added to the road department payroll as a truck driver with a rate of $14 per hour. The addition was effective April 15.

-The Commission chairman and administrator were authorized to sign the federal fiscal year 2020 certifications and assurances for the FTA assistance programs.

-The next Commission meeting is scheduled for April 28.