One of the best things about my job is the ability to honor people in our community who are doing great work.
Last night, Commissioners and I recognized elementary, middle and high school Beta Club members who qualified at the state level to compete at the national Beta Club convention in Savannah, Georgia in June. We had a room full of students who won in 67 categories ranging from Performing Arts to Biomedical Health Sciences.
It was a rare opportunity to recognize students who excel in a wide variety of subjects, and I hope we’re able to do more of that in the future.
Commissioners had 15 other items on their March agenda and approved a number of measures that will impact Lawrence Countians in a positive way.
One action will help the Leoma Utility District (LUD) avoid the water supply challenges that many faced during January’s extreme cold. Even with two existing tanks, the District lacks the water storage capacity to serve current customers, much less add new ones. Commissioners approved a $190,500 contribution toward construction of a new $1.8 million water tank: grant funds will cover $1 million of the cost; LUD the remaining $609,523.
The Commission had two other great deals to consider: a $74,000 match that will allow the Ethridge Volunteer Fire Department to claim a $419,883 grant for a new fire truck. The county will divide that expense between this and next year’s budget. Another match of $7,500 will provide half the cost of a compressed air foam system for Lawrence County Fire & Rescue.
Without these grants and matching dollars to claim them, our VFDs could never afford this equipment. Our relatively small contributions are important steps in our effort to support Volunteer Fire Departments and make them the best they can possibly be.
It’s been a pleasure getting to know Commissioner Tim Clifton, who was appointed last night to serve a two-year term on the Lawrence County Senior Citizens Board. Like me, Tim is in his first term as a county official, and he is extremely dedicated to his constituents and Lawrence County. I’ve known his brother Jeff for many years, so I expected good things and haven’t been disappointed. Tim is also a veteran who served with the Naval Construction Force, also known as the Construction Battalion, or “Seabees.”
And in other good news, Commissioners agreed to do away with the current fee placed on the disposal of mattresses and box springs at the Lawrence County Transfer Station.
