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By Lucas C. Allison

Wilcox County Correspondent

The Wilcox County Board of Commissioners held it regular monthly meeting Tuesday night.

Commission Chairman Lanier Keene and County Manager Paula Jones Ball gave an update on repairs that are needed to the Wilcox County Jail, stating that they wished to publicly thank State Senators Tyler Harper, Greg Kirk, and Representative Noel Williams for their help when they called them.

They were able to arrange for Ga. Department of Corrections’ construction crew with skilled tradesmen to come and make the needed repairs to the leaking water pipes at the jail.  The county will pay for the materials and the DOC crew will provide the labor, which will enable the county to make the needed repairs at a savings of approximately $30-$35,000.00.  Bids are being taken for asbestos abatement of some asbestos insulation found in the jail cell portion of the sheriff’s department.

Ruby Dantley and Vickie Kemp were re-appointed to the Heart of GA Area Agency on Aging Board representing Wilcox County.

A John Deere 450E Dozer Serial #TO450EH732742 and a 1987 International Lowboy Truck VIN#2HSFBGGROHCO89467 from the Road Dept. were declared as surplus property and will be sold on GOV DEALS website with a reserved bid amount.  Bids to repair the roof of the FSA/Extension offices was tabled until the March meeting due to lack of bids received.

The following appointments were made by the cities listed and the county to the Wilcox County Development Authority, City of Pineview-Holland Wilson, City of Pitts-Jackie Clements, City of Abbeville-Michael Estes, City of Rochelle-Wayne McGuinty, Wilcox County-Lanier Keene, John Wilson Gordon and Paula Jones Ball.

County Manager Paula Jones Ball reported that payments from the USDA for rentals had been cut off until after the federal government shutdown is over.  Ball also reminded commissioners about the Legislative Fish Fry in Atlanta on March 6th.

Michael Pomirko of the recreation department reported on a grant application in conjunction will Wilcox Bd of Education for a Thor Guard 360 Lightning Detection system.  Having the system in place will enable the coaches to make the best possible decision in protecting children.  It will have two remotes, one located at the softball/baseball fields and one at the football field.  Each remote are equipped with solar panels and come with six horns and an amber strobe light.  He reported the grant should cover 80% of the cost which is estimated at 30,340.00.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.  The Wilcox Commissioners meet the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm at the courthouse in the Commissioner’s office.