Marion County Commission

RC&D grant period underway, Wide range of funding available


Lauranne James was able to enjoy a short-lived retirement from NACOLG before agreeing to head up the Northwest Alabama’s RC&D Council.
HAMILTON— During a recent Marion County Commission meeting, Lauranne James, the executive director of the Northwest Alabama Resource Conservation and Development Council shared valuable information on her organization, the grant process and the wide range of grants available through RC&D. Besides Marion County, RC&D also serves Colbert, Lauderdale, Franklin and Winston counties.

Survey for tie-ins, wells being planned for alternate water


Members of the Marion County Water Authority Board, the Marion County Commission and other officials and members of the public are shown a few moments before the meeting began on Feb. 6.
HAMILTON — At least two alternate water supplies are currently being investigated by the Marion County Water Authority, with the Marion County Commission offering to fund a tie-in to Franklin County as one of the solutions.

Sheltering and detecting: Commission seeks bids on storm shelters and metal detectors

HAMILTON — The Marion County Commission met on Monday, Dec. 18, and voted on changes to the new jail, storm shelters and new metal detectors.
The commission voted to approve change orders for the Marion County Jail totaling $47,480.
“These items are necessary changes to certify the security features of electrical enhancements,” said commission chairman Keith Nichols.
The board also voted to approve another measure that would save the county about $45,000 through another change order involving the purchase of communications equipment.

Commission makes much needed hire

Holly Duckworth

HAMILTON  — The Marion County Commission has hired an accounts payable clerk in what was a desperately needed move following the departure of former County Administrator Kalyn Moore.
This took place during a special called meeting on Monday, July 31, in Hamilton.
“In the past few months, the commission, along with Kalyn Moore, discussed the operations of the administrative office and how it could be made to be more efficient,” said County Administrator Scott Hunt.

Scott Hunt appointed county administrator

Scott Hunt

HAMILTON — Marion County Attorney Scott Hunt has been named as Marion County Administrator Kalyn Moore’s replacement following the announcement of her resignation just a few weeks ago.
Hunt’s official title will be Marion County’s chief administrative officer, as announced during a regular Marion County Commission meeting on Monday, July 10, in Hamilton.
Hunt will begin his work on July 24, following the resignation of Moore.

Major changes made to proposed legislation

HAMILTON — Major changes have been made to Marion County Sheriff Kevin Williams’ proposed legislation this past Monday during a Marion County Commission meeting on April 10.
Speaking to the Marion County Commission on Monday, March 20, Williams announced three separate proposed bills that aim to improve pay for the sheriff and employees as well as change qualifications for those who run for the office of sheriff throughout the State of Alabama.
Initially, Williams proposed the sheriff’s salary be set at $81,000 per year.

County commissioners sworn in office

Larry Akers, right, is sworn in by Judge Mark Hammitte at the Marion County Commission Office in Hamilton.

By Louis Mellini
Staff writer
HAMILTON — Two new commissioners took to their seats as all commissioners were sworn in before the Marion County Commission meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the commission office in Hamilton.
Both Larry Akers and Greg Gunnin got their feet wet in their first meeting, setting rules of order for the next term.