The Walker County Commission recently rescinded a vote to go after a USDA broadband grant, instead voting in favor of an SS4A Safe Roads and Streets grant.
The broadband grant was approved during the May 1 meeting, but Commission Chairman Steve Miller said during the May 15 meeting he thought the USDA grant was a road project, but he was mistaken. The commission voted 4-0 to rescind going after that grant.
The roads and streets grant is “planning grant,” Miller said. It is for at least $100,000 in funds to go after future roadway grants. The planning grant has a 20 percent match from the county, and commissioners voted 3-1 to pay Simple Grants to go after the funding, which will cost the county between $8,250 and $12,375.
District 4 Commissioner Steven Aderholt was the lone vote against going after the grant funding. He said after the meeting that he’s against paying a for-profit company upfront funds to go after grants.
“Grant writers have traditionally been paid a percent of the grant funds they bring in, and I think that’s how we should continue to go after grants,” Aderholt said. “I don’t think it is a good use of taxpayer dollars to pay upfront for grant money we may or may not receive. We also have to think, this money isn’t going to pave roads. It’s going to bring in money to be used to go after more grants.”
In other action from the meeting, the commission:
- Approved a funding agreement for the Townley Misskelley Road Project.
- Proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month
- Heard and approved the revenue commission final assessment report.
- Approved budget amendments for the Walker County Sheriff’s Office/Walker County jail for wrecked vehicles, radio equipment and deductibles.
- Moved H.F. Scott from a District 3 worker to a journeyman mechanic in the solid waste department.
- Hired Alexander Glass as a common laborer in the maintenance department.
- Approved vacating El Clair Farm Road in District 1.
The Walker County Commission presented a proclamation to area mental health workers to proclaim May as Mental Health Awareness Month.
