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Destin Energy to build steam producing plant within Ciba complex The Washington County Commission met for the first time this year on Jan. 14 with a full agenda, with one of the items bringing smiles all around. Brian Roth of Destin Energy in Montgomery came asking for tax abatement for his company's wood-fired steamproducing plant within the Ciba complex, which will generate a portion of Ciba's steam. The plant which will be fueled with green wood will have the capacity to generate 60,000 lbs. of steam. The proposed wood-burning plant will represent a 2.8 million dollar investment and state taxes will be exempted but not school, hospital and road/bridge taxes. Roth explained that wood energy has less waste and is more efficient than other fuel sources. The new Destin Energy plant will hire 10 people within the next two or three weeks and will create indirect jobs in the logging and timber industry. The 10 hires will be selected from a pool of local people who have recently undergone AIDT (job specific) training. Roth said that wood will be secured in a 50 mile radius of the plant. The judge and commission showed great interest in Destin Energy's utilizing their Malcolm Industrial Site property for a place to put harvested wood. Roth explained that at present, Destin Energy would be using Ciba property within the plant for this purpose. The commission passed a resolution granting the abatement. Circle Road pumping station woes continue The Circle Road booster pumping station project which began during former Judge John H. Armstrong's administration continues to plague the commission. Residents on that road got city water as part of the Katrina grant provisions. However, the town of Chatom will assume ownership and benefit from this project financed with federal funds. When project implementation began, it became obvious the booster station was going to run over the Katrina grant allotment. Commissioner Hilton Robbins negotiated with the town of Chatom to see if they could offer some financial assistance, as owners of the new system. He reported at today's meeting that the pump manufacturer was ready to ship the pump and it would be in Chatom on Jan. 16. The commission had agreed to buy the booster pump and the town would pour the concrete pad and do the plumbing and electrical hookups and fencing for the station. Commissioners have been waiting several months for the town to come through with its obligations. Commissioner Robbins explained that the commission did not want the pump to be delivered until the pad was in place to prevent moving and handing the equipment unnecessarily. Benjamin Jones and Bobby Goldman were present representing the Chatom Water Board. Jones said that it is a policy of the Chatom Water Board not to accept any additions to its system unless it is up and running and "meets town specifications." However, when asked, he said that water was already being delivered via the new system, but the pressure is insufficient. Jones produced an agreement signed by former Judge Armstrong which stated that Chatom would contribute $35,000 toward the project at its completion. "What you are saying then is that the county will supply the up-front money and the town will reimburse us?" asked Judge Charles Singleton. The commission passed a resolution to rebid the pad, plumbing and electrical hookup and fence enclosure. Other resolutions •The commission will allow the judge and the county administrator to establish a line of credit with a bank up to $1,000,000 which will include $650,000 owed on the 2000 courthouse expansion with the remaining $350,000 to be drawn upon as needed for matching money, etc. This money will not be placed into the general fund for operating costs. •Sell Paul Jones a 1983 Ford truck for $300. •Employ Debbie Williams as probate clerk. •Pay CDBG invoices in the amount of $7,287.48 to be reimbursed by the Katrina grant. •Awarded the first four replacement trailers from the Katrina Grant. They went to: Debra Tate - Millry; Robert Richardson - Leroy; Betty Brett - McIntosh; Otis Baxter - Vinegar Bend. A discussion followed in which the judge stressed that when the replacement trailer is put in place, the present living accommodations of the recipients will be hauled away as junk. •All county employees will observe the same state/national holidays. •Raised travel expenses 2 cents per mile. •A vacancy in housekeeping will be advertised and applications taken until end of day Friday, Jan. 26. •A resolution honoring Claudia Donaldson who will be 100 years old on Jan. 18. •Accepted a high bid of $1,232.00 for the sheriff's department junk cars. •To entertain bids to allow the sheriff to enter into agreement to purchase a new vehicle with the stipulation to sell in one year at a guaranteed repurchase price by the dealer. Bids will be accepted until January 26. Sewerage board A resolution to get five taxpaying residents of Washington County to come before the commission petitioning that the county incorporate a sewerage board for the purpose of creating a sewerage system for the city of McIntosh and designated areas of lower Washington County was passed. It was decided to do the sewerage system in phases at the Jan. 8 sewerage meeting. Commissioner Dixon emphasized that it is important to include all elements of the community in phase one. While the sewerage board will make grant and loan applications, Michael Onderdonk, county attorney stated that the town of McIntosh and the county will be security for the loans. Road paving inquiry Willard Law of McIntosh was present to ask about progress of Richard Seals Road. He said it was his understanding that Richard Seals was to be the first road paved with Katrina grant funds. Judge Singleton told him that Seals was bid out one time and came in over bid and the grant writer had suggested rebidding all four roads as a package. Commissioner Dixon assured Law that Seals was a priority for first paving. Other discussions The use of courthouse restrooms for a Chatom Mardi Gras parade was discussed as well as using the courthouse for taking applications for a children's beauty contest.
The commission will meet next on Jan. 28.
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