The Chilton County Commission on Monday awarded a contract to Builders and Property, Inc. of Birmingham for the company’s bid of $69,990 on an underground shelter at East Chilton Fire Department.

Seventy-five percent of the cost will be funded through a grant, and the remaining 25 percent may be matched with in-kind work.

Chilton County Emergency Management Agency Director Bill Collum was on hand to approve the bid. He also reported that work has begun on an above-the-ground shelter at Union Grove Fire Department near Jemison.

Collum said the ECFD shelter will be less expensive than its counterpart.

“Even though it’s underground, it’s cheaper,” he said. “It’s to our advantage to do the dirt work.”

East Chilton Fire Department plans to build a new station near its existing location on County Road 28. The shelter will be located underneath the new building, and the existing building will be torn down at a later date, Collum said.

The shelters are the culmination of a five-year plan to build shelters within 10 minutes driving distance of anywhere in the county. The locations for existing community shelters are Enterprise, West Chilton, Maplesville and Clanton City Hall.

Collum estimated the Union Grove shelter would be complete in about six weeks.

“It’s exactly like the one in Maplesville,” he said.

Other bids were submitted by Calloway Concrete ($82,450) and Vines Poured Foundation ($76,840.68).

In other business, Bobby Averett, resident of County Road 151, approached the commission with concerns about road condition and public safety. He said the road, also known as Old Harkins Road, which runs behind Minooka Park, was partially paved but the pavement cuts off near his home.

Averett also complained of litter in the area, speeding and the lack of law enforcement. He said the road was very narrow.

“It’s dangerous because you can’t see,” he said.

Commissioner Joe Headley said he would pass along the public safety concerns to Sheriff Kevin Davis.

The commission also:

•Voted to purchase an X-ray machine for the courthouse for $22,000, pending a confirmation from the state that the equipment is 100-percent reimbursable.

•Declared a printer surplus at the request of Probate Judge Bobby Martin.

•Went into executive session for the discussion of good name and character.