The Chilton County Commission unanimously voted to let county engineer Tony Wearren take bids on a bridge replacement project on County Road 822.

During the regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Wearren told commissioners the bridge is a single lane, 3-ton bridge on a dead end road that serves five houses.

Wearren said the bridge is the only way residents who live on the road can travel to and from their homes.

The bridge did not qualify for RAMP due to restrictions in size, but the bridge is showing signs of deterioration that has the bridge closer to having to be closed, according to Wearren.

Wearren said he had spoken with an ALDOT representative and been given specifications and a design to replace the bridge in two days and wanted permission from commissioners to take bids on the bridge replacement project.

Wearren said the cost is estimated to be at $150,000 and will come out of the Gasoline budget.

Commissioners unanimously voted for Wearren to take bids on the project.

Wearren also requested permission to advertise and hire a clerk to replace Edith Gentry, who will be retiring in March after more than 22 years of service.

Wearren said he would like for Gentry to help train the individual who is hired.

In other news the commission:

•Passed a resolution approving the nomination of Commissioner Shannon Welch as a proxy for Judge Bobby Martin on the Community Action Board.

•Heard from Katherine Reece who spoke to commissioners about the progress being made at the Chilton County Humane Society.

•Heard from William and Charlotte Killingsworth, who addressed commissioners regarding County Road 781 in Thorsby. The Killingsworth’s were asking commissioners to stop working on the road, and told commissioners they did not remember ever signing a piece of paper to give the county the land. Commissioners said they would look into the situation, and encouraged the Killingsworth’s to speak with Wearren about the issue.

•Discussed finding someone who would be willing to write press releases on the county’s behalf.

•Heard an update from Welch regarding St. Vincent’s Chilton. Welch told commissioners the current plan was for the hospital to be ready to operate on Aug. 1.