On Thursday August 5th the County Commissioners held at work session to discuss several items on their agenda. Department heads were on hand to give an update as to their work in progress and also general discussions. The meeting opened at 10:00 am and first on the agenda was an update on the library from Anita Summers.  Anita spoke about the additions to the library now in the remodeling phases and the current construction timelines. Ms. Summers explained that there would be about a three month delay into the beginning of the construction due to a supply shortage from the construction company. A steel supply needed for the upcoming construction was the cause for the setback. The library is currently using a mobilized unit and also is operating a ‘Grab and Go’ from the old Jasper High School. The library is still operating a free WiFi service out of the parking lot that visitors may utilize. Ms. Summers also explained that they are still striving to maintain the usual business hours for the library until the new building is completed.

Pickens County Commissioners hold work session.

Next on the agenda was an update from Parks and Recreation Manager Brian Jones who explained that over the summer the swimming pool at the Roper Park facility had almost full capacity in the pool on several days. The plan is also to begin a remodeling of the current park with more electrical lines installed for much needed improved lighting. Also on the agenda was to update parking facilities, walking trails, ball fields and storm water management. Commissioner Kris Stancil also stated that he had been working on better parking at the old High School to accommodate the summer and fall games so they could still continue such as soccer and football.  Mr. Jones also stressed the need for some better water and swimming facilities as the pool at the park was originally built in 1986.

Also on hand Road Department Director Kirk Anderson gave a summary of what was going on in his department. Numerous  new construction of roads and maintenance was ongoing and bids form new paving companies were coming in. There was also going to be a new stretch of guardrail to be put in alongside Twin Mountain Lakes. Mr. Anderson also received another project needing to be addressed recently at the Railroad crossing in Talking Rock which was needing an emergency repair. The crossing would need to be closed for several days as a result. Elrod Sloan, Pickens County Safety Director, also in attendance gave compliments to the Pickens County Animal shelter as well for the great job in caring for the animals and the cleanliness of the facility.

New Finance Director Charlene Bunch and co-worker Bill Wood, Director of Administration, discussed their new proposals for the choosing of a new audit company for the county. They were already interviewing several local and statewide audit companies for their experience and reputations. They said that they would have from November 1st to January 14 2022 in which to choose the new firm through the budget process.

Chairperson Kris Stancil added to the agenda the addition of a new issue concerning the recent spike in Covid cases and the other members also voted in favor to add this and address the issue in a later session.  Also; the panel agreed to look into modifying work policies for the county stating that during busy holiday seasons there were limitations in un-foreseen overtime for working crews. Commissioner Stancil noted that during winter months and holidays where employee may be limited to overtime pay because of the holidays were restricting those employees to receiving overtime pay. County workers who may have been called out such as on Christmas or other holidays and received just their regular pay is an issue that needed to be addressed.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:51 am and the commissioners began the ‘Called Meeting’ where shortly after went into Executive Session.