County officials were happy to put their official business on hold for a moment Tuesday to honor a longtime employee; one who’s stepping away after a 16-year career.

The Cullman County Commission recognized veteran county garage employee Larry Watwood at its regular meeting Tuesday, handing over a mounted certificate of appreciation for a career that, according to garage manager Joe Perry, will stand as a model for others to emulate.

“I’d like to say Larry’s been an exemplary employee,” said Perry. “He’s one of those rare individuals who comes to work every morning with a smile on his face. He never complains about anything, and he leads by setting a great example.

“He’s been a mentor to us; to a lot of these men here. We’ve been very lucky to have him. I want to tell him that we want to celebrate his retirement with him…so if he goes fishing, I want to go with him!”

In other business at its regular meeting, the commission:

Awarded the low bid for construction of a CARTS bus washing building to C.H. Harris, Inc. at a cost of $279,000 — more than $100,000 lower than next lowest qualifying bid.

Approved a speed limit change that drops the legal speed limit on County Road 1511 from 45 mph to 35 mph. The road intersects with Alabama Highway 69 at Simcoe.

Ratified payment to ADS, Inc. for elevator monitors at a cost of $9,282.

Ratified an emergency payment to Dye Service for labor on a compressor in the courthouse air conditioning chiller at a cost of $7,247.

Ratified payment to Wittichen Supply Co. for compressor parts for the air conditioning chiller at a cost of $6,774.

Passed a resolution in support of the City of Cullman’s grant application to the Tennessee Valley Authority’s InvestPrep Program.

Renewed the county commission’s participation in the Association of County Commissions of Alabama’s liability fund for calendar years 2021 through 2023.

Extended a bid to Pyro Shows of Alabama to stage this year’s Fourth of July fireworks display at Smith Lake Park. This year marks the company’s second year to operate the park celebration’s fireworks show.

Extended a herbicide bid held by Helena Chemical.

Extended a guard rail bid held by Alabama Guardrail.

Awarded a low qualifying bid for bituminous plant mix to Good Hope Contracting.

Approved a subdivision plat for the Smith Lake RV Resort phase 3, located off County Road 255, County Road 2030, and County Road 2034.

The next regular commission meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on March 10 in the commission meeting room of the Cullman County Courthouse. An 8:30 a.m. public work session will precede the meeting in the commission conference room.

Benjamin Bullard can be reached by phone at 256-734-2131 ext. 145.