Commissioners vote to “support” Farmer’s Market

By Carole Brand

Published: May 12, 2008

After a lengthy and confusing discussion among some county commissioners Monday, a motion and an amendment was passed in support the Coffee County Farmer’s Market, but in theory only.

An original motion of support for the Farmer’s Market and an added clause of support with “feasible county funds” was made by Commissioner Bernest Brooks.

Brooks said Enterprise Mayor Kenneth Boswell had asked the commission at a working session to support the Farmer’s Market with funds. Discussions, although not clear by commissioners, spoke of a covered shelter. Commissioner Jim Thompson said the motion should have been clearer that Boswell asked the county to commit to a sidewalk and curbs.

Funds ranged from a discussion of $185,000 to $200,000 in monetary support.

“This is a small amount to render funds to support and participate in saving the family farm,” Brooks commented. “It might cost, but in my motion it does not state any amount of money. Let’s not ‘bellyache’ about it. Let us not play any games with officials. The mayor wants us to vote on it today.”

Commissioner Doug Dalrymple said, “this is not a small amount of money. We’ve had the county’s Farmer’s Market here at the Farm Center with a shelter, but we had a lack of participation. I can’t see spending that amount of the taxpayers money.”

Commissioner Robert Stephens said as he understood it, “the mayor wants us to give around $185,000. I believe that we’ll need that for extra fuel for some of our county needs since it’s going way up with the sheriff’s department and the roadways. I support the Farmer’s Market, but not giving any money.”

Stephens made a motion to support the produce market “in theory, but no county funds to be obligated at this time.”
Chairman Tom Grimsley asked for a vote on the amendment first, which passed. Then voted on Brooks’ original motion. The motion failed.

“We’ve got to next August or September to see if things change,” he said. “We’ll know more then.”

In other business, several retirees were recognized on the commission. Commissioners Linda Westbrook and Doug Dalrymple were presented with appreciation plagues by Coffee County Extension Coordinator Stan Windham.

“I’ve had the privilege of working 28 years with a commission,” Windham said. “Since 1914, the partnership goes back with county commissions and extension systems and it’s always sad to me when people retire. I remember in 1988 was the first farm I visited in Coffee County. The second visit was to Doug Dalrymple’s farm. I appreciate everything you and this commission has done for the Coffee County Extension System.”

Both commissioners recently announced they would not seek re-election in their perspective county districts.

Another soon-to-be retiree Robert Lolley, attended the commission meeting to thank all the commissioners for their support for nearly 24 years.
“I served four years as a license examiner for the county and I’ve got 28 years in,” he said.

Lolley serves as the Veteran Affairs Director for Coffee County and will retire at the end of this month. Susan Ziglar will serve as the temporary replacement for Lolley.

Coffee County Emergency Management Agency Assistant Director Larry Walker requested the commission for a resolution for support in case of an emergency situation during the BamaJam concert in June. Walker said the resolution would be strictly for the use of governmental vehicles in case of an emergency. The resolution was approved.

Coffee County Sheriff Dave Sutton announced that two ceremonies would take place this week in honor of National Law Enforcement Week. Former Sheriff Neil Grantham and former New Brockton Police Chief Alex Hurst will be honored in ceremonies in Enterprise and in New Brockton.

The next Coffee County Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27 at 9 a.m. at the office complex in New Brockton. The meeting was changed due to the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 26.