Covington County Commission Addresses Courthouse Space
The Covington County Commission met in regular session on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, with all commissioners present. Chairman Michael Smith called the meeting to order, Sheriff Turman led the invocation, and Chairman Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting included discussion on courthouse space, economic development funding, jail purchases, road concerns, and several other items of county business.
Public Comments Focus on Tung Oil Road
Kenneth Jackson addressed the Commission regarding the potential closure of a portion of Tung Oil Road. Jackson, a landowner west of the section under consideration, said he was speaking on behalf of himself and others who live in the area and use the road.
Jackson asked commissioners to consider the broader impact of a closure, noting that the road has been in existence for approximately 96 years and that a similar closure had been considered nearly three decades ago. He said the roadway provides access to homes and property, connects to the Geneva State Forest area, provides an additional route for emergency services, and gives the public access to recreational areas.
Chairman Smith reminded those in attendance that the official public hearing on the proposed road vacation will be held Tuesday, September 22, at 9:00 a.m.
Alabama High School Rodeo Association Thanks Commission
Harvey Bradberry, along with two students representing the Alabama High School Rodeo Association, thanked commissioners for their continued support of the Alabama High School Rodeo.
The rodeo will begin at 9:00 a.m. Saturday and is free to the public.
Consent Agenda Approved
The Commission unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included Accounts Payable and Payroll for August 2026 and minutes from the August 25 regular meeting.
Recreation Board Vacancy Announced
Commissioners announced an upcoming vacancy on the Covington County Recreation Board. Mark Mills’ term expires at the end of September, and Commissioner Weaver stated that Mills has expressed interest in being reappointed.
Additional Economic Development Funding Approved
The Commission approved the remaining $10,000 of its allocation to the Covington County Economic Development Commission. A previous $20,000 allocation had already been made.
Commissioner McGaha said the additional funding reaffirms the Commission’s commitment to economic development throughout Covington County.
Commission Approves Continued Participation Through 2030
Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to continue participation through 2030 in the Longevity Workers Compensation Fund through the Association of County Commissions of Alabama.
Courthouse Space Draws Lengthy Discussion
A significant portion of the meeting centered on how to use space in the courthouse following the relocation of the Probation Office to the Health Department.
Probate Judge Brooks asked commissioners to consider moving the Driver License Office from the basement to the main floor and using the remaining former probation space as a Probate Courtroom. She said the additional courtroom could also help during jury trial weeks and provide space for mental commitment hearings.
Judge Brooks stated that discretionary funds available through her office could be used for renovations, meaning the work would not require funding from the County General Fund.
She also reminded voters of the Equity Jurisdiction Amendment that will appear on the November ballot. She explained that, if approved, it would allow her as a licensed attorney to hear certain matters that would otherwise go to Circuit Court.
Circuit Judge Grace Jeter also addressed the Commission and requested the space for the county’s Treatment Courts, which include Veterans Court, Drug Court, and Family Violence Court.
Judge Jeter said the programs currently rent space near Regions Bank at a cost of approximately $2,000 per month, plus utilities. She said moving the programs into county-owned space would allow more of those funds to be used directly for treatment court services.
After discussion, commissioners unanimously approved moving the Driver License Office to the main floor of the courthouse. Commissioners Courson and Holmes will review the available space and determine the exact location.
The Commission then voted to table the remainder of the courthouse space allocation until additional review can take place.
Covington County Pageant Approved
Commissioners approved the Covington County Pageant, which will serve as a feeder pageant to the National Peanut Festival in Dothan. Participants must be residents of Covington County.
Jail Equipment and Purchases Approved
Jail Administrator Hudson requested that three nonfunctional printers/copiers be declared surplus. Commissioners unanimously approved the request.
The Commission also approved approximately $54,000 in purchases for the jail using reimbursed Department of Corrections funds. The purchases will include lights, chow carts, and restraint chairs. Approximately $59,000 in reimbursed funds had been received.
Engineering Agreement Approved
Commissioners approved a $1,200 engineering service agreement to redesign a previously approved building into two separate areas. One section will be used by the County Engineer’s Office and the other by the Jail.
Roadside Mowing Update
County Engineer Derick Donaldson reported that contractors have completed spraying to control weeds and broadleaf vegetation along county rights-of-way.
The county will allow approximately two weeks for the treatment to take effect before bushhogging begins. Contractor mowing is expected to start by the end of September.
Commission Workshops to Resume
Commissioner Weaver made a motion to resume Commission workshops on Thursdays before Tuesday Commission meetings.
Commissioner Holmes seconded the motion. Commissioners Courson and McGaha voted against it, while Chairman Smith voted in favor, allowing the motion to pass.
Commissioner Holmes clarified that department heads will not be required to attend every workshop but should attend when they have an item to present.
The first workshop under the resumed schedule will take place prior to the first Commission meeting in October.
Courthouse Parking Concerns Raised
Commissioner Holmes reported receiving complaints from citizens regarding courthouse parking, specifically concerns that employees are occupying spaces near the front of the courthouse that could otherwise be used by members of the public conducting county business.
Executive Session and Next Meeting
The Commission entered executive session at the request of the County Attorney. Chairman Smith stated before entering the session that no additional action would be taken afterward and that the Commission would return only to adjourn.
The next regular meeting of the Covington County Commission will be held Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Commission Chambers. The meeting will include the scheduled public hearing concerning the proposed vacation of a portion of Tung Oil Road.
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