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The Chilton County Commission approved the service of Stacy McKean with Grant Management to help the county apply for an ADECA community block grant during its meeting on June 11.

Commissioner Matt Mims requested the resolution to start the contract with Grant Management.

The partnership was unanimously approved after Grant Management was the only company to respond during the county’s advertisement and search for grant writers.

McKean drove around the county with County Engineer Tony Wearren and is considering various roads that would be “great prospects” for the grant.

According to Wearren, they are aiming for a grant worth about $153,000 to help with road improvement.

Wearren stated certain requirments must be met in order to qualify for this particular grant.

This grant intended to go towards roads in moderate to low-income areas.

Higher populated areas also have a better chance of being awarded the grant.

“We looked at all the potential roads that might qualify,” McKean said during a work session prior to the meeting.

Applications are due July 22.

“It usually takes until September to get word back,” McKean said.

McKean estimated spring 2020 would be an acceptable time to expect the start of the project if chosen for the grant.

The Commission also approved Sheriff John Shearon’s request to reclassify Warren Garris as the night shift patrol officer.

Commissioner Steve Langston informed the Commission that he has been keeping track and the Sheriff’s Office has lost 28 employees over the last 19 months due to salary issues.

Allen Caton and Jimmie Hardee both informed their fellow commissioners of their intentions to run for the open seat in the District 42 Alabama House of Representatives.

In other news from the meeting:

• The Commission approved a budget amendment for the Sheriff’s Office using two checks from the ACCA Self-liability insurance fund for wreaked department vehicles.
• The Commission accepted the resignations of Brandon Jones as operator with the road department beginning June 14. Wearren was given permission to hire from the existing pool of applicants on file to fill the positions.
• The road department added a truck driver, mechanic and operator to the payroll.
• James Johnson was reclassified from truck driver to operator.
• Jordan Jones was hired as a summer helper with the road department.
• Emily McKinney Nelson was hired as a temporary employee at the tag office to help cover a shortage due to a clerk on maternity leave.
• It was approved to fill a vacant part-time clerk position at Minooka Park with an emergency hire and temporary employee.
• A work session was scheduled for June 17 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the road plan, financial accounts and CGI video service.
• A request from Caton was approved to begin the process of doing something to recognize Jimmy Martin.
• The Commission approved Langston’s request to replace four damaged chairs in the tag office waiting area and also add two additional chairs. The chairs are coming from Wearren’s office. He has money in his budget to replace them.
• The Commission approved to purchase an ad for the Peach Jam Jubilee.
• A resolution was passed to purchase a new scanner for the front entrance of the courthouse.
• A contract with Elwood Staffing was approved to provide a janitor for a flat rate of $14 and to be used when needed moving forward.
• Permission to allow for a public hearing and advertisement of an alcohol license for Worthey Food Mart located at 52 County Road 105 in Maplesville.
• A budget work session was scheduled for Aug. 2 from noon to 4 p.m.
• The Commission approved the minutes from the May 21 meeting.
• The Commission approved to pay its bills.