News Archives Menu:

• Dispute Settled on Improving U.S. 98 and Protecting Mobile's Watershed
• Litter Violators In The Aftermath of Hurricane Ivan The Public's Help Is Needed To Locate Violators
• A Compromise Will Improve U.S. "Bloody" 98 and Protect Mobile's Watershed
• Bellingrath Road to Close...Bellingrath Gardens to Remain Open
• Commission Agenda Highlights, November 22, 2004
• Commission Agenda Highlights, October 25, 2004
• Mobile County Commission Honors Hurricane Workers / Commission Meeting Highlights
• Mobile County Commission To Adopt $141 Million Budget
• MEDIA ADVISORY: Commission Meeting 09/07/04
• Grand Bay Citizens To Get New Senior/Community Center
• County Commission Adopts 2004-2005 Schedule
• Agenda Highlights, August 9, 2004
• Mobile County Agenda Highlights - 07/26/04
• Mobile County Agenda Highlights - 06/28/04
• MEDIA ADVISORY: What Does A Good Credit Rating Get You?
• MEDIA ADVISORY: Commission Meeting 05/24/04
• PRESS RELEASE: Boys and Girls Club officials donate funds to aid in the construction of a permanent facility in the Tillman's Corner/Theodore community
• MEDIA ADVISORY: Commission Meeting 03/08/04
• NEWS RELEASE: New Perk for Mobile Government Plaza: Aramark Featuring Starbucks Coffee Opens Café in Plaza
• MEDIA ADVISORY: Commission Meeting 02/25/04
• MEDIA ADVISORY: New County Program Empowers Small Businesses
• MEDIA ADVISORY: The County's Community Development Block Grant Program
• MEDIA ADVISORY: County Commission Meeting Announcement
• MEDIA ADVISORY: Actions to be voted on at the commission's regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, November 24, 2003, in the auditorium of Mobile Government Plaza at 10 a.m. The public is invited.
• MEDIA ADVISORY: County Commission Meeting Announcement
• NEW MOBILE COUNTY TAX on Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products
• MEDIA ADVISORY: Items on County Commission Meeting Agenda for 8/22/03
• MEDIA ADVISORY: Items on County Commission Meeting Agenda for 8/11/03
• MEDIA ADVISORY: Emergency Bridge Closing
• MEDIA ADVISORY: Commissioner Mike Dean Earns Award As A Graduate Of The Local Government Training Institute
• MEDIA ADVISORY: The Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act
• MEDIA ADVISORY: Agenda, April 29, 2003
• $6,500 Appropriation to Prevent Underage Drinking and Driving in the County
• 2002-2003 Budget

Dispute Settled on Improving U.S. 98 and Protecting Mobile's Watershed

Commissioner Nodine

The Mobile County Commission unanimous decision to adopt subdivision regulations will hopefully help to resolve the dispute surrounding the widening of U.S. 98, one of the countys most dangerous thoroughfares. To cease condemnation proceedings in the dispute, the compromise reached by Mobile Area Water and Sewer Board, the Alabama Department of Transportation and Mobile County Commission was pursuant to the County Commission's decision to adopt subdivision regulations during its December 13, 2004 meeting. "The action we have taken today will allow the county to go forward," said Commissioner Stephen Nodine, who represents the area where Highway 98 is located, also noted that the compromise will enhance the county's largest road paving program. "It has been a long struggle to resolve this issue, but all parties should be commended for acting in the best interest of Mobile County."

The compromise consists of the following:

• The protection of Big Creek Lake Watershed, the area's major water supply, for future generations;
• Eliminates dirt road subdivisions to stop siltation of the water supply;
• Mobile County adopting subdivision regulations, which will allow growth without destruction to the watershed;
• Allowing a $100 million road program to replace Bloody 98 corridor with a safe and modern thoroughfare, whereby eliminating many of the traffic deaths that occur on the busy highway;
• The Alabama Department of Transportation agreement to modify its design of the highway, which will lessen the impact on the Watershed.

The compromise further resolves a 30 year problem in Mobile County - unrestricted dirt roads. Mobile County Engineer Joe Ruffer said developers are building private dirt roads much quicker than the county can pave its own public dirt roads. Malcolm Steeves, executive director with MAWSS said there are 116 private dirt roads in the Watershed.

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Press Release, Tuesday, December 7, 2004

Litter Violators In The Aftermath of Hurricane Ivan The Public's Help Is Needed To Locate Violators

(Mobile, Al) ~ The deadline for placing hurricane debris on public streets and roads rights-of-way was November 15, but some people are still putting unacceptable litter out, hampering the final collection by the U.S. Corps of Engineers.

City and county officials are urging citizens to help in identifying unlawful littering violators. "We need the public to be our eyes and ears in locating people who are putting trash out after the deadline," Commission President Mike Dean said. "If you see or hear of anyone dumping trash now on the public rights-of-way, please call and report it."

To report litter violators in : Mobile County ~ 574-7867 City of Mobile ~ 208-7999

Litter Fines:
Mobile County ~ $250 (minimum);
$500 (second offense)

City of Mobile ~ $250 plus
$106 court cost (first offense) $
500 (second offense)

"We ask the public to be patient with us as we enter the final stages of collecting hurricane debris," said Mayor Mike Dow. "We want their help in identifying litters who are taking advantage of the collection process in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan."

Both the City of Mobile and Mobile County used the Corps of Engineers to pick up hurricane debris. The Corps is in the final stages of hurricane debris collection. So far, they have collected 1,080,000 cubic yards.

To Report Violators, Please: Provide a vehicle tag and a description; Provide a date and location for the offense;

Items Not Acceptable: No tires No appliances No construction material(s)

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Media Advisory

A Compromise Will Improve U.S. "Bloody" 98 and Protect Mobile's Watershed

Mobile, Al ~ The Mobile Area Water and Sewer Board, the Alabama Department of Transportation and Mobile County Commission announced Friday that a compromise has been reached in the dispute surrounding the widening of U.S. 98, one of the county's most dangerous thoroughfares.

The compromised, hailed as a major feat for the area, includes:

• The protection of Big Creek Lake Watershed, the area's major water supply, for future generations;
• Eliminates dirt road subdivisions to stop siltation of the water supply;
• Mobile County adopting subdivision regulations, which will allow growth without destruction to the watershed;
• Allowing a $100 million road program to replace Bloody 98 corridor with a safe and modern thoroughfare, whereby eliminating many of the traffic deaths that occur on the busy highway;
• The Alabama Department of Transportation agreement to modify its design of the highway, which will lessen the impact on the Watershed.

The Mobile County Commission, specifically Commissioner Stephen Nodine, expressed their gratefulness to MAWSS, the Alabama Department of Transportation and the local Legislative Delegation. "This compromise represents good leadership in our community," Nodine said. "It will protect our watershed and create a tremendous economic opportunities for Mobile County. It will also insure quality development in the Watershed area and create safe roads in the county."

Nodine, who represents the area where Highway 98 is located, also noted that the compromise will enhance the county's largest road paving program. "This compromise will slow down and stop dirt road subdivisions. By doing this, we will create the future possibilities of additional funding for Pay-As-You-Go road program."

Mark Nix, chairman of MAWSS, said the panel was not against the road's widening. "We were protecting the area's Watershed. The steps taken by the county (in the adoption of subdivision regulations) in the compromise will help us to do that. By the county adopting subdivision regulations, it will mean more restriction inside the Watershed."

Nix stressed that the compromise would not be a reality without Senator Hap Myers and Rep. James Buskey.

The compromise further resolves a 30 year problem in Mobile County - unrestricted dirt roads. Mobile County Engineer Joe Ruffer said developers are building private dirt roads much quicker than the county can pave its own public dirt roads. Malcolm Steeves, executive director with MAWSS said there are 116 private dirt roads in the Watershed.

MAWSS and ALDOT officials will ask Judge Ted McDermott on Monday to accept the compromise and cease condemnation proceedings in the dispute. The request is pursuant to the County Commission's adoption of subdivision regulations on Monday, December 13, 2004 at 10 a.m. in the auditorium of Mobile Government Plaza.

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Media Advisory November 23, 2004

Bellingrath Road to Close...Bellingrath Gardens to Remain Open

The Alabama Department of Transportation will close Bellingrath Road near the Bayou Jonas Bridge on Monday, November 29, 2004.

The closure is approximately one mile north of the Bellingrath Road and Hwy. 188 intersection.

The popular Bellingrath Gardens, which is located near the closure, will be open for business. Officials urge motorists to use the posted detour signs. The road will be closed for approximately three months.

DETOUR

• Southbound traffic on Bellingrath Road north of the road closure will have to detour east on Laurendine Road to Dauphin Island Parkway south and back west on Hwy. 188.
• Northbound traffic south of the road closure will have to take Hwy. 188 east to Dauphin Island Parkway north to Laurendine Road west back onto Bellingrath Road.

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Media Advisory November 19, 2004

COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

The Mobile County Commission will consider accepting a grant award agreement with the Alabama Department of Youth Services in the amount of $582,827.00 for the G.R.O.W.T.H. (Girls Reaching Our Womanhood Through Healing) program for the James T. Strickland Youth Center.

The action will be voted on at the next Commission meeting to be held Monday, November 22, 2004, 10 a.m. Mobile Government Plazas Auditorium.

Also on the agenda, county officials will prepare to implement the 2004 Pay-As-You-Go Program voted on by Mobile County residents during the November 2004 election. The commissioners will consider assigning engineering firms to the $72 million program.

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Media Advisory October 22, 2004

COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

The Mobile County Commission will consider awarding the Glenwood Road project to John G. Walton Construction Company, for their bid of $316,922.89.

The action will be voted on at the next Commission meeting to be held Monday, October 25, 2004, at 10 a.m., in the auditorium of Mobile Government Plaza.

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Media Advisory October 8, 2004

Mobile County Commission Honors Hurricane Workers:

The Mobile County Commission will honor the forgotten heroes of Hurricane Ivan on Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at 10 a.m.

The forgotten heroes are those public workers who sacrifice life and limb to insure that county roads are safe and free of debris for emergency vehicles to travel. Also among the group slated for honors are workers who stayed in such county-owned facilities as Government Plaza during the hurricane. Their charge is to protect public facilities in the event Ivan's wrath damaged public properties. Every county-owned facility had 24-hour personnel working around the clock.

County Commission Highlights:

The Mobile County Commission is scheduled to ratify a $700,000 amendment to the 2003-2004 budget for more equipment for the Sheriff Department and the county's Public Works Department;

The Mobile County Commission is scheduled to authorized a sub-recipient agreement with Franklin Primary Health Center for $28,833 to administer the Prescription Drug program under the Community Development Block program;

The Mobile County Commission is scheduled to award $83,997.01 to Apex Construction LLC for the Howells Ferry Road drainage improvements.

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Media Advisory September 24, 2004

Mobile County Commission To Adopt $141 Million Budget

The Mobile County Commission is scheduled to adopt a $141 million budget for the 2004-2005 fiscal year, on Monday, September 27, 2004, at 10 a.m., in the auditorium of Mobile Government Plaza. The budget includes a 2.5 percent across the board pay hike for the countys 1,600-plus employees; level funding for area agencies; and increased funding to privative medical services at the Metro Jail.

Also on the agenda, the Commission will consider adopting the Mobile County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan.

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Media Advisory September 3, 2004

Mobile County Commissioner Stephen Nodine will discuss upcoming road projects and community upgrades in District 2 at the Wilmer Senior Center on Tuesday, September 7, 2004, at 7 p.m. Nodine will talk about upgrades to the Wilmer Senior Center, the Wilmer Bypass and other road projects.

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Grand Bay Citizens To Get New Senior/Community Center

After many years of planning and much discussion, the citizens of Grand Bay will soon have a new Senior/Community Center. Commission President Mike Dean and several members of Citizens For A Better Grand Bay broke ground today for a new Senior/Community Center. "This center is exactly what the citizens of Grand Bay need," said Dean. "It took a collective effort from elected officials and the community to make this happen. Simply put, Im ecstatic!" The Commission allocated funds from its Urban County Community Development Block Grant for the construction of the new center.

Estimated Cost: $380,000

Estimated Completion Date: 180 days

Architect: Slater & Slater

Construction Company: Bayshore Construction

Amenities: 4,000-sq. ft. building with a kitchen, restrooms, office, meeting room, covered drivein entrance

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County Commission Adopts 2004-2005 Schedule

On August 9, 2004, the Mobile County Commission adopted its 2004-2005 schedule for Commission meetings and conferences. The 2004-2005 holiday schedule was also approved. See the agenda for the meeting and conference schedule. The holiday dates are listed below.

WHEREAS, the Mobile County Commission is authorized by Title 1-3-8 of the 1975 Code of Alabama to close the Court House and annexes thereto on Saturdays, Sundays, and Legal Holidays; and

WHEREAS, it has been customary for all County offices to be closed on certain legal holidays during the year; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, by the Mobile County Commission in regular meeting convened this day, that all offices in the Court House, wings, and annexes are hereby authorized to be closed, as the Court House building will be closed on the following holidays during the fiscal year 2004-2005:

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AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS AUGUST 9, 2004

INMATES RECEIVE IMPROVED MEDICAL CARE
With the rising cost of medical supplies and prescription drugs, the Mobile County Commission amended the budget of the Metro Jail in the amount of $1.2 million. Medical services at the jail were privatized earlier this year, and Correctional Medical Services of St. Louis, Missouri was selected as the jail's new medical provider.

MASON FERRY ROAD RESIDENTS TO GET NEW BRIDGE
Citizen who travel across the old Mason Ferry Road Bridge, located over the Escatawpa River, will soon be getting a new bridge to make their travel easier. The Mobile County Commission awarded a $1.7 million for the replacement of the 200-ft. wooden bridge, located near the Mississippi State Line. The project was awarded to low bidder Pope Contracting, Inc.

SERVICE TRANSPORTS DECEASED BODIES IN THE COUNTY
Newman's Medical Services, Inc., was awarded the bid to provide transport of deceased body services for the Sheriff's Department, Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences and sthe Alabama State Troopers, in the unincorporated areas of the County. Newman's bid of $125.00 per transport was approved.

The Mobile County Commission will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, August 9, 2004, at 10 a.m., in the auditorium of Mobile Government Plaza. The meeting is free and open to the public.

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Mobile County Agenda Highlights

Friday, July 23, 2004

Mobile Government Plaza's leaky roof is about to be repaired. On Monday at 10 a.m. in the auditorium of the Plaza, the Mobile County Commission is scheduled to award a bid of $34,900 to Double AA Construction Company for roof repairs. In addition, another bid of $118,400 will be awarded to Lathan Company Inc. to repair the roof's skylights;

Conducting business in Mobile County may get easier if the County Commission converts the county's 1 cent gross receipt tax over to a sales tax. The Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing Monday, July 26 at 10 a.m. to take public comments on the issue. A gross receipt tax is levied on a business, whereas a sales tax is imposed on the customers;

The County Commission will ratify several grant awards with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development that will continue to pump over $3 million into the county.

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Mobile County Agenda Highlights

Friday, June 28, 2004

Citizen who travel across the old Mason Ferry Road Bridge, located over the Escatawapa River, will soon be getting a new bridge to make their travel easier. The Mobile County Commission is scheduled to authorize the advertisement of bids for the replacement of the 200-ft. wooden bridge, located near the Mississippi State Line. The action will be voted on at the next Commission meeting to be held Monday, June 28, 2004, at 10 a.m., in the auditorium of Mobile Government Plaza.

Also on the agenda, school children in Grand Bay will be getting new bicycle/pedestrian lanes when the Commission votes on the project. The Commission will consider awarding the project to low bidder Asphalt Supply, for their bid of $494,600.58.

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MEDIA ADVISORY July 16, 2004

What Does A Good Credit Rating Get You?

In Mobile Countys case, a good credit rating means a savings of over $500,000 from the refinancing and improvements bonds.

On Thursday, the County went to the bond market to refinance and sell on the open market. As a result, the Countys interest cost on the refunded 1999 bonds of 5.61% was lowered to 3.89%, resulting in present value savings of $509,117.

The combined new money and refunding issue totaled $34,805,000. At closing over $19.3 million was deposited in a fund for new projects designated by the Commission.

The move will mean that the County will have more money in its coffer for general purpose to aid in the following projects: tearing down the Old Courthouse and replacing it with a Mardi Gras park; adding floors to the Courthouse annex; building a new animal shelter on Schillinger Road; relocating the Revenue Commissioners headquarters to Azalea Road.

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Media Advisory May 21, 2004

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Barbara Drummond, Public Affairs Director (251) 574-5088

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

One of the countys heavily traveled areas may be getting much needed relief, once the Mobile County Commission awards a bid for the Theodore-Dawes Road project to low bidder Walton Construction Company for $1,600,103.05. The action will be voted on at the next Commission meeting to be held Monday, May 24, 2004, at 10 a.m., in the auditorium of Mobile Government Plaza.

Construction will soon be underway at Shepards Lake Community Center. On Monday, the Commission will consider authorizing bids for the partial demolition of the facility. The Commission allocated funds from the Countys Community Development Block Grant Program for the new center.

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Press Release

Nine years ago, the county Sheriff Department listed the Theodore/Tillman's Corner community among the highest juvenile crime areas in unincorporated Mobile County. Those numbers are decreasing, a trend the Mobile County Commission and Boys and Girls Club officials want to see continued. So much so, the two entities have teamed up to build a new state-of-the-art facility to serve youngsters in the Tillman's Corner/ Theodore areas of the county.

On Thursday, April 14, 2004, Commission President Mike Dean was given a $175,000 check by Boys and Girls Club officials to aid in the construction of a permanent facility in the Tillman's Corner/Theodore community. The facility will be named in honor of former U. S. Congressman Sonny Callahan.

In 1995, The Mobile County Commission teamed up with the Boys and Girls Clubs to open a smaller facility in the now Hankins Middle School. At that time, over 600 youngsters applied for membership. The number of youngsters grew so much that officials begin using three rooms in the historic "Old Theodore School" and the gym in the Hankins Middle School.

"There is a desperate need for a larger facility," said Mary Zoghby, executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs. "Population figures for 2000 indicated that over 4,000 children, ages six through 18, live in the Tillman's Corner/Theodore area. And many of those are needy families."

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MEDIA ADVISORY

COMMISSION AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

Motorists will soon be enjoying a much smoother ride down some county roads. If the Mobile County Commission awards a $547,845.03 bid to Esfeller Construction Company. Roads to be resurfaced are: McGehee Road, Orchard Drive West, St. Elmo Circle North, St. Elmo Circle South and St. Elmo Circle East.

The action will be voted on at the next Commission meeting to be held Monday, March 8, 2004, at 10 a.m., in the auditorium of Mobile Government Plaza .

Also on the agenda, the Commission is scheduled to vote on authorizing the relocation of the Precinct 2 voting center from Creola City Hall to First Baptist Church in Axis; and the Commission will consider adopting a resolution designating Mt. Olive Primitive Baptist Church as a temporary polling location for Precinct 4, formerly Old Belsaw School which is currently under construction.

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NEWS RELEASE

NEW PERK FOR MOBILE GOVERNMENT PLAZA: ARAMARK FEATURING STARBUCKS COFFEE - OPENS CAFÉ IN PLAZA

The smell of the internationally known coffee brewed by Starbucks is now erupting from the old Café 205 in Mobile Government Plaza. On Monday, February 9, 2004, the Mobile County Commission and officials with ARAMARK opened the café for business in the facility - which houses city, county and judicial offices.

The Starbucks will be managed by ARAMARK, a worldwide provider of food and other services based in Philadelphia, PA. The café space in Government Plaza has been vacant for nearly a year.

"This is a great venture for Mobile County. It will bring life to downtown Mobile and enhance the space in the plaza," said Mobile County Commission President Mike Dean.

The Starbucks at the Plaza will offer popular it's Starbucks coffee and specialty espresso drinks, upscale baguette sandwiches, gift baskets, fresh baked goods and special Starbucks merchandise. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, but hours may be expanded later based on customer needs.

"We are excited about this venture. ARAMARK has had a long-standing partnership with Starbucks and we expect the store to do very well in this location," said Philip Wheatley, ARAMARK General Manager.

The café will be open to customers from the street and to employees who work in the Government Plaza.

In addition to two ARAMARK managers on-site, a staff of approximately 10 local servers has been recruited to run the Starbucks operation.

Other ARAMARK partnerships in the Mobile area include the Mobile Convention and Civic Centers, University of South Alabama, Regions Bank and Spring Hill College.

ARAMARK is a world leader in providing managed services, including food, facility and other support services, uniform and career apparel and child care and early education. ARAMARK has leadership positions serving the business, education, healthcare, government, sports and recreation segments. In FORTUNE Magazine's 2003 survey of the "Most Admired Companies in America," ARAMARK ranks No. 1 in the outsourcing services category and is No. 10 among all companies included in the survey by overall score as evaluated by peers within the industry. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has approximately 200,000 employees serving clients in 18 countries.

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MEDIA ADVISORY

February 20, 2004

In observance of Mardi Gras, the Mobile County Commission has rescheduled its regulary scheduled meeting to WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2004. The meeting will be held in the auditorium of Mobile Government Plaza at 10 a.m.

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New County Program Empowers Small Businesses

If you are a small business owner who has little borrowing power or no ability to change the financial outlook of your company, then Mobile County's Revolving Loan Program may be the answer to all of your problems.

On Monday, January 26, 2004, at 10 a.m. in the auditorium of Mobile Government Plaza, County Commissioners will officially kick off the new program aimed at enhancing small businesses throughout the county and creating jobs for low-to-moderate income individuals.

"We are simply investing in the community," said Commission President Mike Dean. "This program is a great opportunity for small business to excel in the county, while at the same time empowering business owners to achieve success."

The purpose of the Revolving Loan Program is to enhance the borrowing power of small business, which have been turned down by traditional financial institutions. In addition, it creates jobs for low-to-moderate income persons and provide financial assistance to ongoing or new business. Applicants can borrow up to $15,000 at a 4 percent interest rate.

The loan can be used to purchase equipment, tools, product inventory or a vehicle necessary for operation of the business; construct or renovate a building that is used exclusively for business purposes; or as working capital with the restriction that no more than 25 percent of the loan can be used for payroll.

For more information or to obtain an application, contact Prichard Federal Credit Union at 452-8799 or USA Small Business Development Center at 460-6004.

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The County's Community Development Block Grant Program

Changing Communities and Lives

The Mobile County Commission is scheduled to take action Monday, January 26, 2004, on more than $1.4 million projects that will led to the construction of three senior/community centers and major improvements to area parks and facilities in the county.

The meeting is set for 10 a.m. in the auditorium of Mobile Government Plaza. Projects include:

A senior citizen center in Mount Vernon. The budgeted amount for the center - which is scheduled to be built on Highway 43 - is $243,000;

A senior citizen center in Creola. The budgeted amount for the center - which will be built at 9614 Old Highway 43 near the city's post office - is $200,000;

A community center in Grand Bay/St. Elmo area. The budgeted amount for the center - which will be built on Highway 90 near the J. J. Racetrack - is $225,000;

Improve the Semmes Boys & Girls Club building - located in the old Semmes Middle School. The project's budgeted amount is $200,000. Under the project, the facility's gym will be upgraded.

Improvements to Davis Park in Citronelle. The budgeted amount for the project is $50,000. The park is located on Coy Smith Highway. The improvements will include a new basketball goal and miscellaneous equipment;

Improvements to Rolston Park in Bayou La Batre. The budgeted amount is $450,000. Under the project, a new pavilion, handicap accessible restrooms and on-site sewage will be constructed;

Construction of a sanitary sewer collection system in Grand Bay. The budgeted amount for the project is $85,000. The system will run from Breitling School at the intersection of Smith Road and Grand Bay Wilmer Road to I-10 overpass.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: December 5, 2003

The Mobile County Commission will recognize Mobile County Sheriff Deputy Chris Battiste and Corrections Officer Delmarie Smith for their outstanding law enforcement work on Monday, December 8, 2003, during the commission's regularly scheduled meeting at 10 a.m. in the auditorium of Mobile Government Plaza. The public is invited.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: November 21, 2003

Computers, cars and other miscellaneous items from the County will go on auction, once the Mobile County Commission approves an agreement with Matt Pressley Auctioneers. The action will be voted on at the commission's regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, November 24, 2003, in the auditorium of Mobile Government Plaza at 10 a.m. The public is invited.

OTHER ACTIONS TO BE VOTED ON...

• Ratify accepting a subgrant award from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) for the Alcohol Incentive Program in the amount of $50,537.00, with no local match.
• The Commission will also consider approving a continuation grant to ADECA fro the Child Passenger Safety Training Program in the amount of $25,000.00, with no local match.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: October 24, 2003

The Mobile County Commission will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, October 27, 2003, in the auditorium of Mobile Government Plaza at 10 a.m. The public is invited.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: August 22, 2003

The American dream of owning a home is now a reality for two area families, thanks to the Mobile County Down Payment Home Assistance Program.

The first citizens to receive a $10,000 grant under the program, which is designed to give first time home buyers a financial boost in buying a home, will be on hand at the next Mobile County Commission Meeting on Monday, August 25, 2003, in the auditorium of Mobile Government Plaza at 10 a.m. The public is invited.

OTHER ACTIONS TO BE VOTED ON...

• Great news for elderly citizens in Mount Vernon and Saraland! Under the county's Community Block Grant program, each city will be getting a new senior citizen facility. In Mt. Vernon, the seniors will have a place to call their own at the old Belsaw School on Highway 43. While in Saraland, a senior center will be built on May Street;
• Two of the county's heavily traveled roads will be getting a facelift! The Commission is scheduled to award a $991,000 bid to Mobile Asphalt Company for the resurfacing of Tanner Williams Road and Ziegler Boulevard;

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MEDIA ADVISORY: August 8, 2003

Motorists traveling down Penny Lane Road in Creola, Spruce Drive in Chickasaw, or Lillian Avenue in Saraland, may soon be riding on "Easy Street."

Thats if the Mobile County Commission awards a more than $450,000 bid to Frank Turner Construction Co., Inc., for paving and resurfacing streets in Chickasaw, Creola and Saraland. Funded through the Urban County Community Development Block Grant, the street projects will improve conditions for a total of 5.1 miles. The projects are as follows:

• Street Paving: Penny Lane in Creola
• Street Resurfacing in Chickasaw: Spruce Drive, Forest Street, 3rd Street, Southwest Boulevard North, Ryan Street, Hill Street and an unnamed street parallel to Howell Street, 3rd Place, Delaware , 4th Avenue, Tenth Avenue, 11th Avenue Southwest Boulevard, Ryan Street and Hill Street.
• Street Resurfacing in Saraland: Lillian Avenue, Viola Avenue, Harris Avenue (from Shelton Beach Road to Norton Park) and Senack Street.

This action will be voted on at the next County Commission meeting to be held on Monday, August 11, 2003, at 10 a.m. in the auditorium of Mobile Government Plaza. The public is invited.

OTHER ACTIONS TO BE VOTED ON...

• Assigning Speaks & Associates Consulting Engineers, Inc., as project engineers for the $85,000 sewer lines project in Grand Bay;
• Assigning Slater & Slater as architects for the proposed Grand Bay Senior Center;
• Assigning Reid, Still & Associates, Inc., as architects for the Wilmer Park Renovation. The proposed $50,000 project will include the purchase of a lawn mower, sprinkler system and bleachers.

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MEDIA ADVISORY: August 8, 2003

EMERGENCY BRIDGE CLOSING

Mobile County officials will close Mason Ferry Road Bridge around noon today. Because of safety concerns with the structure, motorists are urged to use Earlsville Road.

The County Commission decided to remove the old wooden bridge which washes out in torrential rains. The demolition is expected to begin in September 2003.

The bridge has long been a problem for school buses traveling that route and area residents faced with flooding during storms.

DIRECTIONS:

Proceed to Lott Road to Georgetown Wilmer Road (turn left), proceed 1 mile to the first paved road, on the right to Mason Ferry Road go 19 miles until the road ends the bridge is at the end

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Media Advisory

Commissioner Mike Dean Earns Award As A Graduate Of The Local Government Training Institute

(Auburn, Ala.) The Center for Governmental Services at Auburn University is delighted to announce that Mobile County Commissioner, Mike Dean, has met all the requirements to be designated as a Graduate of the Alabama Local Government Training Institute. Dean joins a select group of 40 current Alabama county commissioners with this distinction.

According to Dr. Jim Seroka, the Director of the Center for Governmental Services at Auburn University and administrator of the program, "Commissioner Dean's achievement underscores a strong commitment and dedication to public service in county government. The graduate of the program contribute enormously to the betterment and improvement of county government in Alabama, and graduates such as Commissioner Dean serve as a model of the best in our system of grassroots democratic government."

The County Commissioner Graduate award will be presented to Commissioner Dean this summer at a special ceremony during the annual conference of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama. Graduates of the program must complete at least 120 hours of detailed practical and applied course work involving all aspects of county leadership and administration.

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Media Advisory
May 19, 2003

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Call Marilyn Wood (251) 574-8545 or 574-8542
(Mobile County Revenue Commissioner

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act

If you are an active member of the Armed Forces, have not paid your 2002 property taxes and experiencing a financial hardship, you may be entitled to relief from the tax.

Mobile County Revenue Commissioner Marilyn Wood announced Monday that under the federal Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act, active military personnel who own property in Mobile County (personal or business) may be eligible for various benefits if the military activation has caused a financial burden.

To receive an application and schedule a hardship determination hearing, call 574-8545 or 574-8542.

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Media Advisory April 25, 2003
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Barbara Drummond, Public Affairs Director
(251) 574-5088

Two communities will be celebrating if the Mobile County Commission approves spending nearly $1 million dollars to pave two heavily traveled roads and upgrade a bridge that leaves area residents stranded in the mud during torrential rains.

The County Commission is scheduled
to award Tuesday, April 29, 2003 10 a.m
in Mobile Government Plaza auditorium
bids to pave Brown Loop Road North,
Brown Loop Road East and Moody Loop Road,
all located in one of the county's fastest growing areas.

In addition, the Commission is scheduled to adopt a resolution asking the Alabama Department of Transportation for permission to use "Amendment One" funds to replace a 319 foot-long wooden bridge on Mason Ferry Road with a new concrete bridge.

The wooden, sub-standard bridge usually washes out during torrential rains, leaving school buses as well as area residents stranded.

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On January 13, the Mobile County Commission approved a $6,500 appropriation to prevent underage drinking and driving in the county. In conjunction with the U.S. 45/98 Safe Communities Grant Program will develop a series of public service announcements to target the prevention of underage drinking.

Other items on the agenda included:
The approval of a $1,500 monthly contract with Franklin Primary Health Center to provide medical services at the Strickland Youth Center. Last year, the Commission and Sheriff Jack Tillman hired Franklin to be the sole medical provider at the Mobile County Metro Jail.

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The Mobile County Commission approved its 2002-2003 budget at $131,137,315 on September 30, 2002. It is only .03 percent more than the 2001-2002 budget. The current budget does not include salary increases for the new fiscal year. Personnel costs have increased by .07 percent due to the increase in insurance and retirement costs and the inclusion of a full year of salary cost for the Minimum Security Barracks. No new personnel positions are in the current budget. The proposed budget contains up to a 10 percent reduction in funding for most appropriation contracts under consideration.

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