Covington County Commission votes to stop funds for Point A Park – The Andalusia Star-News

The Covington County Commission approved the 2025 holiday schedule and voted to terminate an agreement with the Point A Park during a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

The 2025 holiday schedule was approved as submitted with 14 paid holidays for county employees. The schedule falls in line with previous years; however, chairman Greg White and Dist. 3 commissioner Lynne Holmes suggested adding a floating holiday and Good Friday to future holiday schedules.

“I would encourage (the commission) to look into taking the Friday before or the Monday after Easter Sunday,” White said.

“I totally agree and believe Good Friday should be recognized although it is no longer (a holiday) in the school system. It would be very appropriate to add it to the county’s holiday schedule,” Holmes added.

The commission also discussed an agreement with the Point A Park. Dist. 2 commissioner Michael Smith, Dist. 1 commissioner Kenneth Northey, and Holmes each expressed concern about continuing to invest in the park. County attorney Morgan Arrington said the current lease with PowerSouth for recreational activities at the Point A Park expired on Oct. 10.

“I have seen some of the changes that have been sent back and am not impressed with them. The county has put money towards significant upgrades for keeping the park going and I’m not in for us (spending additional) money for that. That is my stance on it right now and with the changes they are asking, I’m not in agreement,” Smith said.

According to Holmes, the county received three of the six requests the park is seeking.

“Since we don’t own the property and never will, I just don’t see spending county money that way. If I’m not mistaken, I believe that park will be maintained either way whether the county or someone else like PowerSouth does it. We are not neglecting an opportunity for the people; it’s a matter of whether we need to spend county funds to maintain it or not,” Holmes said.

The commission ultimately voted 3-1 to terminate the agreement effective Nov. 30 with Northey, Smith, and Holmes each voting “yes” and Dist. 4 commissioner Tommy McGaha voting “no.”

In other business:

• The commission approved the county’s Emergency Operation Plan, which is updated every four years.
• The commission approved the county’s Threat Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment.
• The commission approved a budget amendment for the Probate Judge’s office to continue a process of digitizing files.
• The commission approved the re-appointment of Charles Willis from Opp to the Department of Human Resources board.
• The commission approved the awarding of a bid for a new telephone system in all county offices to Digital Communications, which was the lone bidder. The bid was for $14,425 and will reduce monthly costs by $350.
• The commission approved the awarding of a bid for a replacement handicap ramp to McClain Contracting, which was the lowest bidder. The bid was for $313,000 with the project to replace the current handicap ramp on the west side of the Covington County Courthouse. The project is expected to take 150 days for completion.
• The commission approved the awarding of a bid for a tree trimmer in the Engineer’s Office to Progressive Rail Corporation, which was the lone bidder. The bid was for $212,940 and includes shipping charges.

The meeting marks the last for chairman White who completed 21 years of service and Northey who completed 12 years of service. They were recognized with a reception after the meeting was adjourned.

The next meeting of the Covington County Commission will be held Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 9 a.m., at the Covington County Administration Building. The public is invited to attend.

Following the Nov. 5 general election, new commission members will be sworn in during this meeting.