After approving an animal control ordinance in its last meeting, the Cherokee County Commission has moved on to the next phase, which is determining the size, location and cost of an animal shelter facility.

During a recent work session, Commission Chairman/Probate Judge Melvyn Salter announced plans for an animal shelter committee composed of himself, Tim Burgess, Matt Sims, Commissioner Carlton Teague and Cherokee County Chief Deputy Tim Hays.

Cherokee County Sheriff Jeff Shaver indicated that a candidate with experience has expressed interest in the animal control officer position. Once this person is hired, he/she could possibly help out with shelter specifications.

The committee will give a definite proposal June 16, Salter said.

During the regular session, the commission agreed to support a Bill to be enacted by the Legislature of Alabama relating to Cherokee County to authorize the Cherokee County Commission to provide supplemental compensation for members of the county board of equalization.

“Several other counties have done this,” explained Cherokee County Revenue Commissioner Johnny Roberts during the work session prior to the regular commission meeting. “The current code is that Board of Equalization members be compensated $35 a day. Richard Lindsey has proposed a bill and Cleburne County has already advertised theirs. This would raise their compensation to $100 a day when they are in session. It is important to get good people on this board.”

The Alabama Department of Revenue will pay half the cost and the county commission will pay the other half, not to exceed $100, Roberts said.

On behalf of the Cherokee County Association of Volunteer Firefighters, Centre Fire Chief expressed his appreciation to the commission for assistance with purchase of a new air fill station, which will benefit all of Cherokee County’s 13 volunteer fire departments.

“Firefighters crawl into burning houses and we have air packs on our backs,” said Ware. “You have to fill these bottles with so much pressure. The air fill stations we have now are 22 or 23 years old and it is burning a lot of oil. We are afraid the oil is getting into the air we breathe. We talked to the commissioners and each have donated generously. We really appreciated that. We are looking at a final purchase price of about $35,000 for a new air fill station. We really appreciate that. If there’s anything we can help you guys with, just let us know.”

The commission also approved a design for a county flag, which has white background, red stripes with the Cherokee County Seal in the center. During the work session Salter presented different designs and color schemes for the commission’s consideration.

“Some time ago, our commission adopted a seal for Cherokee County,” said Salter. “To our knowledge, there was not an official seal for Cherokee County. Now they want us adopt this design as the official flag for Cherokee County. It will be flown at all our public places here in the county. It would be at all our schools, courthouse, administration building, jail, library, and any place where we carry on public activities. It will be the same size as our state and U.S. flag.”

Salter told the commission that $3,500 in HAVA (Handicapped Accessibility Voting Act) is available to help bring Cherokee County polling places up to standard. Salter said they would look over those places most in need of portable ramps and other adjustments, which need to be made. Application for these funds must be submitted by May 2.

In other business, the commission:

-Declared Highway Department Equipment and approved surplus items to be sold at the Midstates Auction Company Sale.

-Approved excess land redemption to B. Shad Ellis for $143.16.

-Approved lowering speed limit on County Road 421 from 45 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour.

-Declared as surplus property a 1997 Crown Victoria.