Leah Ingram Eagle
Commission with Alex Dudchock
The members of the Shelby County Commission along with Sheriff John Samaniego, pose with Alex Dudchock (holding the plaque) and his wife Natalie after honoring him with a resolution for his work over the years.
The Shelby County Commission approved the expansion of the Therachem MediLab in the city of Chelsea during its March 9 meeting.
Yvonne Murray, Managing Director of 58 INC, addressed the commission and spoke about the benefits that the company will bring to both the city of Chelsea and the county over the next decade. It will create 20 additional jobs at an average wage of $70,000.
“It will have a $7 million economic impact over the next five to 10 years and could grow to 100 employees,” Murray said. “This is exactly the type of company we want in Chelsea and will be the first tenant at the new business park.”
As previously reported, Shelby County’s incentives include a one time job credit valued at $14,000, along with sales/use tax abatement on construction materials valued at $10,938 and a 10-year property tax abatement valued at $65,584. The total incentive amount from the county is $90,522.
Commissioner Robbie Hayes, who is the commissioner for the Chelsea area, made the motion to approve the resolution for Therachem to which the commission approved.
“I’m excited about what it brings to the county,” he said.
During public comment, 10 people spoke about the proposed bridge project, five for it and five against it.
Those against it said if the county allowed it, they would be setting themselves up for an epic failure; their way of life is being threatened; and that it be regression instead of progress.
Those for it said that having the road widened would be a gift; that if Tim James doesn’t get the bridge built, it still would in the future; and that it would present opportunities for everyone.
Commissioner Elwyn Bearden said the plan is to vote on this issue next meeting on March 23, but that could change.
In the county manager’s report, Chad Scroggins said there will be a pre-bid meeting on the new Shelby 280 Center on Tuesday and bids open on March 31.
At the end of the meeting, Commissioner Kevin Morris read a proclamation of recognition of extraordinary service and leadership to recognize retiring county manager, Alex Dudchock, whose last day as Shelby County Manager is March 31.
Leah Ingram Eagle
Alex Dudchock and his wife, Natalie
Alex Dudchock and his wife, Natalie pose with his recognition from the Shelby County Commission
It spoke of his service to Shelby County residents for more than 30 years, ensuring a financially responsible government, noteworthy achievements and unprecedented partnerships and collaborations with municipalities, state agencies and local leaders.
Alex’s wife, Natalie, was in attendance with him at Monday’s meeting, the first one of his entire tenure.
Dudchock said that God has blessed him and his tremendously and said it has been an honor to serve in the county manager’s role, that he didn’t look at it as a job.
“God blessed me with a calling,” he said. “I enjoy seeing people served and more times than not I have been able to implement diverse services and programs. The county’s future is still in front of it.”
Other resolutions approved include:
- Bid for Filter Media to Unifilt Corporation for anthracite, filter sand and fine silica gravel.
- Bid for Howard Tire for two wheel/four wheel alignment safety check for autos and light trucks
- Reappointment of Susan Fulmer to the Harrison Regional Library Board
- Approve the Rebuild Alabama Act allocation between ALDOT and Shelby County for $400,000.
The next commission meeting will be March 23 at 6 p.m. at the Shelby County Administration Building.
