Commission approves broadband study funding

Published 5:14 pm Tuesday, June 16, 2020

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The Chilton County Commission approved a resolution to contribute $39,000 toward a countywide broadband feasibility study.

The Commission joins the Industrial Development Authority ($15,000), the City of Clanton ($9,000) and the Town of Maplesville ($2,000) to help fund the study.

The Commission’s portion of the funding will come from the trade school and rural industrial development fund.

A resolution for a $625,000 Economic Development Administration grant match was also approved as part of the 2020 fiscal year EDA Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

The match will be part of a $3,125,000 construction project to build a “drive-through testing facility” about a mile north from Exit 212.

Medical testing services will be provided on site, as well as the storage of related personal protective equipment and clinic space to administer vaccinations.

A resolution was also passed to approve Commission Chairman Joseph Parnell and administrator Sylvia Singleton as signatories for the certification and assurance for reimbursement under the CARES Act.

Rebekah Abbott was hired in the tag office effective June 10, while Lauren Simmons was hired in the revenue commissioner’s office effective June 24.

The road department is advertising to hire two truck drivers following the resignations of Clay Bearden and Randy Mims.

June 23 is the next scheduled Commission meeting.