Scroggins gives projections for 2021

by

Shelby County Manager Chad Scroggins gave the “State of the County” presentation hosted by the Shelby County Chamber on Nov. 10. During the program, he discussed progress made last year and what’s in store for Shelby County in 2021.

Scroggins, who has been working with Shelby County since 2003 and took over the county manager’s role in March, said he is grateful to serve the over 218,000 residents in the county. This was his first time to give the state of the county presentation, and also the first one that has been held virtually. 

He said that 2020 has been a very unique year and it’s been both a challenge and an opportunity to step in and lead the county’s government operations in a manner that is consistent.

“I appreciate our staff most of all for what they've done through this pandemic,” Scroggins said. “I’m proud of our staff...and their dedication and all they've done.”

His presentation covered the time frame of October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020. 

The year in review included the proposed Coosa River Express, which the commission denied. The February meeting brought in the largest number of attendees probably ever. After that, COVID-19 began, which changed operations, policies and procedures of the county to make sure they could still serve the public. 

More recent events include Hurricane Zeta, which caused a significant amount of damage across Shelby County. The presidential election, which brought record numbers of voters to the polls. 99,264 voters in Shelby County voted on November 3, with an additional 18,000 completed absentee ballots for a total of around voting in advance, totaling about a 60% voter turnout. 

COVID-19 had obvious effects on the county’s economy. Shelby County unemployment rate was 2% in February, and jumped to 9.5% in April. In September, it was down to 4%. 

The average daily inmate population at jail has reached the maximum. In March, Gov. Ivey gave an order to all counties that the Department of Corrections would not take in any additional inmates charged or those who were parole violators. 

“Normally, after 30 days someone that comes into jail is transferred to a state facility,” Scroggins said. “Our population is up to 550-560 inmates within our county jail. It's not designed to carry that many inmates.” 

Total budget expenditures for FY2020 were $119,112,350 and projected for FY2021 is $109,395,975. The top four expenditure categories are public safety ($33,118,776); highway department ($17,667,624); water services ($13,831,655) and the county landfill ($8,629,142).

Total budgeted revenues for FY2020 were $119,847,706 and for FY2021 is $112,300,872. 

FY2020 completed projects in Shelby County include: 

  • New trail at Cahaba River Park
  • A restroom building at Joe Tucker Park in Helena
  • Census 2020- Shelby County led state of Alabama in census participation 
  • A new welding lab at Jefferson State Community College on Valleydale Road that will  provides workforce development
  • Opening of the Shelby County Arts Center and Old Mill Square Park in Columbiana
  • Alabama National Cemetery Overlook Project
  • Shelby West Corporate Park pavilion, parking lot and walking trail at the lake

FY2021 ongoing projects include:

  • County Services Building on U.S. 280 at County Road 41
  • Chelsea community park- county providing assistance w playground and pavilion
  • Chelsea County Road 11 Sports Complex- addition of walking trails and cross country course
  • Veterans Park Alabaster- county providing assistance with development
  • New community athletic field at Thompson High School complex
  • Updates to Heardmont Park add additional amenities
  • Inverness Greenway construction
  • Oak MountainState Park Road- safety improvements and bike lane construction
  • 4H Center, Discover Shelby Conference Room 
  • Intersection/roundabout construction for Shelby West Corporate Park and Shelby County Airport

New FY2021 capital project and initiatives:

  • Return of the Parks and Recreation Grant Funds ($150,000 available- taking applications through January).
  • Additional trails planned at Cahaba River Park 
  • Continued work to extend Dunnavant Valley Greenway (from the 1996 soccer fields to Mt Laurel)
  • Use RPCGB Apple Study Process to explore sidewalk extension in Columbiana 

Looking forward to 2021:

  • Completion and startup of the county services building
  • Community development block grant program to the county level
  • Comprehensive growth and development plan
  • Continued economic growth through a global pandemic