Dudchock discusses county projects at chamber luncheon

Shelby County took a hit with the Great Recession, but smart budgeting has helped it recover and continue to grow, county officials say.

County Manager Alex Dudchock discussed improvements in the county’s general fund as well as projects that are underway at the March South Shelby Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

After the first quarter of FY 2016, the general fund is more than $293,000 — or .94 percent — ahead of what was budgeted. Overall, Dudchock said county revenue is where they expected.

“The best thing you’re seeing on the wall right now is we’re hitting our projections,” Dudchock said.

Revenue is also back up to where it was in 2008, Dudchock said, as a result of budgeting and smart spending on part of the Shelby County Commission and other county officials.

“Our County Commission has done an excellent job doing something that my dad taught me at a young age — you better live within your means,” Dudchock said.

Although the county had to be “creative” to meet new budgets, Dudchock said most people could not notice there was a reduction in spending. The county was able to maintain the level of service it hoped to, he said.

Along with a general fund improvement, Dudchock noted the county is also working to grow through various projects. At University of Montevallo, the county helped to build the new lacrosse stadium. In February, that stadium hosted the first collegiate lacrosse match in the state, Dudchock said.

There are also plans for a University of Montevallo Hotel and Suites as well as a new dorm to house more than 60 students. These are in the planning stages, Dudchock said, and are a way for the university to continue to grow.

In the upcoming months, there are projects set for Oak Mountain State Park and the Shelby County Airport. Bike lanes on Terrace Drive and Findlay Drive are planned, and there are other plans to improve roads, bike lanes and possibly install a roundabout in the park.

New hangars at Shelby County Airport were some of the projects Dudchock said he is most proud of.

“We have never started a hangar project without a waiting list of at least 20 pilots and owners wanting to come in,” Dudchock said. “I’ve got a brand new one going in, this is our sixth one to construct. It is a five box hangar — it is 100 percent leased.”

There are 21 people on the county’s waiting list at this time, he said, and hangars that are under construction are already fully leased. No landing fee is charged, and there are conference rooms available for use at the hangar.

Providing those resources encourages businesses to fly in and out of Shelby County, he said, and the money comes in through their refueling bill.

“A little southern hospitality, services, using that asset to our benefit,” he said.

Also at the luncheon, Dudchock noted the Sunday alcohol sales vote would go into affect the Sunday after the vote is certified. At this time, that is set on March 8, which would mean businesses that already have liquor licenses may be able to sell as soon as March 13.

The next South Shelby Chamber of Commerce Luncheon is a spotlight for non-profits. It is scheduled for April 7.