By JOYANNA LOVE/Senior Staff Writer

The Chilton County Commission approved creating a Chilton County Schools Career Tech student co-op position for a part-time mechanic during its Nov. 27 meeting.

“They would be getting class credit for this, but they would be working in our shop,” County Engineer Tony Wearren said.

Commissioner Joe Headley asked if the school system would be covering a portion of the salary.

Wearren explained the county would pay the salary, and the funds to pay $10 an hour was already in his budget.

The job description would include oil changes and general maintenance.

Wearren said this would be beneficial because it would free up the current mechanic to remain in the field for more extensive needs.

“It sounds like a win-win for both parties,” Commissioner Steve Langston said.

Commissioner Matt Mims said the student would need to be 18 years old because of the county’s liability insurance.

Chilton County Schools Career Tech Director Dara Norman said that would not be a problem.

During the meeting, the Chilton County Humane Society presented the Commission with a copy of its audit.

“It did say that we are compliant with all accounting standards,” Humane Society Vice President Kristie Hyche said.

Commissioners were told they could contact the Humane Society if they had any questions.

Hyche thanked the Commission for helping the organization get an audit done because it will allow them to apply for grants.

Hyche also requested an increase in the fee for the Humane Society at the courthouse. Commission Chair Allen Caton said the county is in emergency funding and will be looking at the needs of each department in the near future.

A request for bids for software brought in one bid, which was opened at the meeting. Since it was the only bid, Caton said the Commission can negotiate to hopefully get a lower price. The software would be one used by many governments in Alabama, and County Administrator Crista Madden has used it at a previous position. Madden said the Commission can focus on what it needs and not necessarily get all the service in the bid.

Also during the meeting, the Commission approved:

— A member to the Library Board. It also discussed appointing representatives to the Middle Alabama Area Agency on Aging. The Commission is looking for those interested in serving. Madden said the board is particularly looking for those with experience in healthcare and human resources.

— Allowing two Sheriff’s Office employees to donate unused sick days to a fellow employee who had a catastrophic medical event and does not have any sick time left.

— Asking the state to raise the Sheriff’s salary to $75,000 and the Probate Judge’s salary to $80,000.  The measures passed 5 to 1. Commissioner Greg Moore was absent. Chair Allen Caton and Commissioners Jimmie Hardee, Langston, Joseph Parnell and Mims voted in favor. Headley voted against.

— Paying bills from July to October for inmate medical care owed to Southern Health Care Partners. The November bill was not approved for payment because Parnell said there is a chance that bill could be discounted.

— Having RDS continue to collect the county’s lodging tax. The measure was approved 5 to 1. C Moore was absent. Caton and Commissioners Hardee, Langston, Parnell and Mims voted in favor. Headley voted against.

— Publishing the county’s financial statement when it is complete.