County Commission sworn in for new terms

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On November 11, the nine Shelby County commission members were sworn in for their next four year terms. During the ceremony, Probate Judge Allison Boyd gave the oaths of office.

  • Kevin Morris (District 1), begins his second term, serving since 2017.
  • Tommy Edwards (District 2), begins his fourth term, serving since 2008.
  • Jon Parker (District 3), begins his fifth term, serving since 2004. 
  • Ward Williams (District 4), begins his second term, serving since 2016.
  • Elwyn Bearden (District 5) begins his third term, serving since 2012. 
  • Mike Vest (District 6), begins his third term, serving since 2012. 
  • Lindsey Allison (District 7) begins her eighth term, serving since 1992.
  • Rick Shepherd (District 8), begins his fourth term, serving since 2008.
  • Robbie Hayes (District 9), begins his fifth term, serving since 2005.
  • Bearden was named Chairperson and Hayes was named as Vice Chairperson for the commission. 

Also during the meeting, the commission passed a resolution for the schedule for their meetings for this term. Beginning Nov. 23, 2020 at 6 p.m., all Shelby County Commission Meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month at 8:30 a.m. and the fourth Monday of each month at 6 p.m.

Two award bids were approved for two upcoming highway projects.

First, the intersection improvements and placement of a traffic signal at County Road 41 and Hugh Daniel Drive was awarded to Selective Inc. for $503,363.50. This company also completed the tunnel project at Mt Laurel. This was the second time the project has been up for bid. The first came in at over $100,000 over budget and was rejected. 

“We are tickled to death to get this price, although it’s still more than we'd like to pay, we are signing contracts,” County Engineer Randy Cole said. “They are ordering materials from subcontractors and we are anxious to get that in as soon as we can. 

The other was for construction of the traffic circle at the Shelby County Airport to Winston Contracting, LLC for $889,924.09. Cole said the Pelham-based company is very reputable and he is pleased they won the bid, which was priced less than the amount of the grant.  

“We will pay out of pocket and seek reimbursement,” Cole said. “I’m ecstatic that this came in under estimate. As soon as all of the contracts are signed and utilities are out of way, we will start work. This will be a big enhancement to the appearance and safety out there.” 

Cole also mentioned the public information meeting for the replacement of the Norfolk Southern Railway Bridge on County Road 55 in Sterrett has been rescheduled to Thursday, Nov. 19 from 5-7 p.m. at the Sterrett Church of God of Prophecy Fellowship Hall. This meeting was originally set for an earlier date, but after Hurricane Zeta came through and knocked out power at the meeting location, the meeting had to be canceled.

Representatives of Shelby County and Sain Associates will be in attendance to provide information and answer questions. Public comments must be received by the Shelby County Highway Department by Dec. 18. 

Judge Allison Boyd thanked the commission and county staff for a smooth election process last week. She said the turnout was unprecedented at about 69.5% and absentee ballots increased from 3,500 to over 16,000.

“It was astronomical growth,” Boyd said. “We were as prepared as we could be under the circumstances; nobody knew what to expect. I could not be more complementary to the county staff. We will certify on Friday.”

Commissioner Lindsey Allison said some elections have not gone as well as they’d like, but  thought this year was “amazing, especially with the numbers we were dealing with” and said she got “very few phone calls” about it. 

County Manager Chad Scroggins thanked the sheriff's office for their help and having deputies at all the polling locations and also for bringing back the ballots themselves.

“Sheriff [Samaniego] himself really supported operations throughout the county and 43 precincts,” he said.