TUSCUMBIA — Two new Colbert County commissioners began their terms Wednesday, including Republican David Black, whose party has not had anyone elected to office in the county in 138 years.

Black defeated Democratic candidate Lane Roland in the Nov. 6 general election. Both men were seeking the seat left open when former commissioner Troy Woodis chose not to seek re-election.

All six commissioners were sworn in Wednesday. Commissioner Emmitt Jimmar was named commission chairman. The Colbert Commission rotates its chairmanship so that each commissioner will serve as chairman for eight months.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Commissioner Jimmy Gardiner informed the commission that the Tennessee Valley Authority has agreed to issue the county a license to utilize an old U.S. Coast Guard station on Watts Bar Street in Sheffield.

Bruce Schofield, vice president of property and natural resources for the Tennessee Valley Authority, said a licensing agreement was the least expensive way for the county to acquire the property.

Gardiner, who has been working on the project with Emergency Management Agency Director Mike Melton for a couple of years, said the facility will be used to store equipment and serve as a staging area for water rescue operations on Pickwick Lake. The property can be utilized by the Colbert County Emergency
Management Agency, area rescue squads and Alabama Marine Police.

In other business, the commission:

• approved a $612.44 payment to the circuit clerk for absentee election supplies.
• approved a $5,625 payment to election manager, Circuit Clerk Nancy Hearn.
• approved a $2,100 payment to the
• absentee election manager’s clerical assistant.
• declared a 2006 Chevrolet pickup in the water department, a 1991 Chevrolet Caprice, two printers and two copiers in the revenue commissioner’s office as surplus property.
• approved a payment of $1,836 to the probate judge for certifying the voters list used in the general election.
• approved the purchase of additional security cameras for the courthouse at a cost of $11,871.
• moved the Dec. 4 commission meeting to Dec. 11.
• approved a $600 donation to the Tennessee Valley Basketball Association.

Russ Corey can be reached at 256-740-5738 or russ.corey@TimesDaily.com.