During its Sept. 19 meeting, the Cullman County Commission authorized a $1,042,699 tax abatement for Topre America that would allow for any possible future expansion.

“They are looking to expand some facilities that, currently, they have to lease buildings for and bring them on-site to their campus,” said Stanley Kennedy, Project Manager with Cullman Economic Development Agency. “We’re competing with Canton, Mississippi and Smyrna, Tennessee for this project — $17.3 million would be the project value.”

Kennedy said the project would create more than $588,000 in tax revenue for local schools during a 10-year period and create an estimated 50 new jobs with an average hourly wage of $25.67 — above the county average — and bring in an additional $36,258 per year in local tax revenue with more than $410,000 per year for local businesses.

In other business, the commission:

• Recognized: Marie Livingston retiring after 24 years of service with the Commission Office
• Recognized: Christa Maxwell retiring after 34 years of service with the Commission Office

Recognized: Mary Ellen Hartness for winning Ms. Super Senior Alabama 2020-2021, Ms. Senior Hanceville

• 2020-2021, Ms. Senior Cullman County 2012, Ms. Rocket City 2009
• Resolution 2023-41: Tax Abatement for Topre in the amount of $1,042,699
• Resolution 2023-39: CARTS Third Party Service Contract for FY 2024 and authorize Chairman to sign all related paperwork
• Resolution 2023-40: Change speed limit to 30 mph on County Road 768
• Resolution 2023-42: Authorize the issuance of General Obligation Warrants Series
• Authorized Worker’s Comp Renewal with County Risk Services for FY 2024 in the amount of $528,290.55
• Authorized payment for Trip Master for dispatch software annual maintenance and support for CARTS in the amount of $15,600
• Authorized Chairman Clemons and Director Stephanie Lawson to sign agreement between CARTS and Cullman County Commission on Aging
• Authorized Chairman Clemons to sign the Alabama Department of Youth Services
• Authorized Agency Grant Agreement for FY 2023-2024 in the amount of $199,088 as the fiscal agent for Cullman County
• Authorized Chairman Clemons to sign the Alabama Department of Youth Services Agency Grant Agreement for FY 2023-2024 in the amount of $166,200 as the fiscal agent for Lauderdale County
• Authorized Chairman Clemons to sign a settlement agreement resolving a case at the Cullman Regional Airport
• Considered Approval of the FY 2024 Budget
• Considered approval of Employment Contract for the County Engineer
• Considered agreement to participate in Purchasing Association of Central Alabama and authorize Chairman to sign all related documents
• Considered renewal of Health Services Agreement for FY 2024 with Southern Health Partners for the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $769,698.72 and authorize Chairman to sign all related paperwork
• Considered authorization for the Cullman County Commission to assure half the financial obligations for closure and post-closure of the Solid Waste Disposal of the City and County of Cullman Landfill through a local government financial test allowed by ADEM Administrative Code 335-14-4-.28(5)(F)
• Considered Authorizing Administrator to sign letter providing documentation and certifications required by the record-keeping and reporting requirements in ADEM administrative code 335-13-4-.28(S){F)
• Considered the purchase of two Butler Tilit Trailer in the amount of $37,500 to be purchased by the Water Department
• Considered Commissioner Watson’s nominee, Amanda Stanton, to the E-911 Board for remainder of Keith Creel’s term set to expire 9/

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• Considered appointment of Vicky Fisher as a License Inspector per §40-12-l0(a)
• Considered appointment of Zeb Reid as Deputy License Inspector per §40-12-lO(i)
• Considered contract extension for Baron Radar and authorize EMA Director to sign all related paperwork
• Proposed release of CarceI & G Construction from the Surety bond for Kingfisher Subdivision Phase lC in the amount of $355,945.20. It is located in the town of Berlin at the corner of HWY 278 and County Road 1616
• Proposed acceptance of Retail Specialists Bond for Kingfisher Subdivision Phase lC in the amount of $127,195.20. It is located in Berlin at the corner of HWY 278 and County Road 1616
• Proposed release of R&D Properties LLC from the Surety bond for Pointe Sixteen subdivision. All Construction has been completed and passed final inspection. It is located in Crane Hill off County Road 204. This proposal was tabled at the previous meeting
• Awarded Bid# 1446: Surface Treatments to Wiregrass Construction Company, Inc
• Awarded Bid# 1447: Cold Laid Plant Mix to Wiregrass Construction Company, Inc
• Awarded Bid# 1448: Fog & Scrub Seal to Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions

The next commission work session will be Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, at 4 p.m. in the commission meeting room with commission meeting at 6 p.m. in the commission meeting room.