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The Marengo County Commission approved money from the CARES Act to be used as hazard pay for employees in Marengo County. CARES Act funding will also be used to repair air-conditioning at the jail. The County Commission will accept bids for a new roof for the jail at next month’s meeting.

David Lyons, the new director of the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce, introduced himself to Commission members. Lyons came to Demopolis from West Point, GA and is a native of Decatur, AL.

Engineer Ken Atkins reported that bids for roadwork in the northern and southern parts of the county were open. The lowest bidder for the northern part of the county was Asphalt Contractors at $851,683. The lowest bidder for the southern part of the county was H.O. Weaver at $266,431.87.

Probate Judge Laurie Hall presented the Commission with regarding the credit card waiver for licenses and renewals. She reported that the county lost $839.13 in April and $1,418 in May. The Commission voted to continue the waiver for the next month while members analyze how it effects Marengo County.

EMA Director Kevin McKinney spoke on the COVID-19 numbers for Marengo County. He said that even though the number of positive cases is rising, many people have recovered from the virus. He also said that the average number of people in quarantine now is 80, up from 50 a month ago.

McKinney reported that the National Weather Service declined placing a weather radar closer to Demopolis. The service stated that the radars in Birmingham, Mobile, and Jackson and Columbus, Mississippi were enough to cover the area. The state group is continuing to search for solutions for more radar coverage.

Other items approved by the Commission:

• Shannon Parten was hired to the Commission office and Robert Alston III was hired to the road department.
• The following people were appointed to the DHR Board: Willie Dorsey in District 1, Charlotte Webb in District 3, and Shirley Hutchins in District 4.
• Commissioner Calvin Martin is reappointed to the ACCA Legislative Committee.