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Citizens' dissatisfaction lingers over landfill issue In the absence of Judge Charles Singleton, Vice- Chairman Willie Dixon presided at the Washington County Commission meeting of Feb. 12. Several citizens were again present to bring questions about the proposed Class-D Regional Landfill the commission voted for on Dec. 11. George Etheredge asked, "How much more do we owe Jim Mc- Naughton?" Jim McNaughton is the county's solid waste consultant dealing with Advanced Disposal System, the contractor who will build the landfill in Washington County. Chairman Dixon answered that there was no further obligation until the landfill "comes to fruition." And further explained that the $50,000 he received on Dec. 11 was based on "original legwork." Robert Evans of the Fairford community asked about the newspaper story reporting that McNaughton would receive 10 percent of the county's initial host fee of $800,000. The commission agreed that that was an accurate statement. Then Evans asked about the MOWA Band of Choctaws' proposal for constructing a landfill? Chairman Dixon said that he had "heard" something to that effect, but knew of nothing definite. Etheredge asked if ADEM hearings would be held and Commissioner Dixon said yes. Evans asked if there was a "conflict of interest" because of Jim McNaughton's connection with Advanced Disposal Services and his work for the commission. Dixon answered, "I would have to say no. Jim McNaughton is our consultant. Advanced Disposal Services is responsible for the construction of the landfill." Arepresentative from Kendall Bush Mosquito Control advised the commission that $75,000 is available in Hurricane Katrina money to buy equipment and supplies for a mosquito control program in Washington County. The commission would be responsible for hiring and paying employees for the program. The commission will study the proposal and get back on this at a later date. Laverne Dickinson petitioned the commission to change the name of Dickinson Road back to its previous name, Carson- Dickinson Road. Commissioner Dixon said that when the mandatory three-year period had passed, a representative from the commission would contact E-911 and go forward with the change. Dickinson also wanted to know how soon water would be available in the Dickinson area. Commissioner Hilton Robbins said that the contract had been awarded and the pipeline construction should begin soon. Major Kesler Weaver of the Washington County Sheriff's Department requested that the commission buy a car for the sheriff's department from the state bid list. Chairman Dixon explained that Sheriff Stringer was rearranging his budget to save approximately $25,000 to purchase one car on his own. The resolution passed to purchase a car from the state bid list, which precludes going through the bid process. Don Beech whom former Sheriff Wheat hired in December was not recommissioned by Sheriff Stringer and had registered a complaint with the commission. Chairman Dixon said that legal recourse had been studied and Beech has no grounds for appeal at this time. County holidays The Washington County Courthouse closes for five holidays which road crews and Road and Bridge employees do not get. The commissioners discussed whether to correlate the holidays for all the county employees. Commissioners voted to keep the present set-up of holidays. Lawsuit filed concerning Bates Lake Road Dixon informed the commission that a suit had been filed in circuit court over the barricade on Bates Lake Road on behalf of citizens on the west bank of Bates Lake for removal of the barricade. He said this matter will no longer be discussed in the Probate Court, but has now been sent to circuit court. Sheriff's photograph Misty Davis, daughter of former sheriff William Wheat, asked the commission to pass a resolution to allow a portrait of her father to be hung in the courthouse near the sheriff's department in recognition of his 32 years of service. Chairman Dixon stated that the commission needed time to contact the families of all former sheriffs to see if they also would like to hang photographs. Both he and Commissioner Alan Bailey stated that since space on the courthouse walls is becoming filled, perhaps a more appropriate place other than the main hall can be used to honor the men. County engineer's report: +Dirt work for the new health department building should begin at the end of this week. +The work on Roberts Creek, County Road 6 is three weeks from completion. Other resolutions +The commission will pay $100 coroner association fees; and $100 conference fees for both Shane Thornton and his deputy coroner ($400) to attend a mandated training session at Orange Beach. +An administrative board for the 800 mega-hertz system will be established with one person each from law enforcement, fire prevention and emergency management system to administer and be responsible for the system. +The position of major was created in the sheriff's department with an accompanying 5 percent raise for Deputy Kesler Weaver. +Deshawn Holloway was hired as a deputy and Sherry Harkless as clerk for the sheriff's department. +The commission agreed to sell five vehicles from the sheriff's inventory on-line via the Gov-Deals Web site.
+A 30 mills tax levy for county was approved.
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