FROM STAFF REPORTS

A request for help from the Lowndes County Commission on Monday to refinance a bond for the town of Fort Deposit resulted in some dispute over the commission’s commitment to the town.

According to unofficial meeting minutes provided by County Administrator Jackie Thomas, attorney Arlean Richardson said the commission had approved the bond for 26 years, and five years would be added to the new bond.

Commission Chairman Charlie King Jr. said the minutes did not reflect the county would finance the bond for 26 years. He said it was the commission’s intent to assist the town for five years and review for a possible two additional years.

Richardson said Fort Deposit was in line for a USDA grant, but only if the bond is refinanced and a loan for the town is being paid off at the bank.

Bond attorney Berry Staples said Fort Deposit had two months to complete the process.

The commission also disputed that a public hearing on the matter had been set for Monday, April 11.

In other matters the commission:

•Approved use of juvenile funds to pay the salary for a juvenile probation officer until the end of the year.

•Approved the purchase of signs for a public hearing with Pioneer Electric Company on April 25.

•Approved the consent agenda including minutes for March, invoice payments for March, a $100 appropriation to the American Cancer Society, an appropriation of $200 to Faith in Action.

The council heard a request for $10,000 from Claude Douglas for a summer program for the activities of the Hayneville Boys and Girls Club.

Deputy Rufus Haralson appeared before the commission to seek space for E911.

Commission meeting minutes are unofficial until they approved at the next meeting by the commission.