Commission Weighs Holiday Tradition Against New Courthouse Concerns
The Lawrence County Commission’s Regular Meeting on Friday, September 12, 2025, opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a moment of silence for 9/11 victims and Charlie Kirk. While the agenda covered a wide range of county matters, a significant portion of time was spent discussing whether Christmas on the Square would return to its traditional courthouse location this year.
Christmas on the Square Discussion
Commissioner Bobby Burch introduced a motion to allow the event at the newly remodeled historic courthouse square. He explained that the event committee had said if it could not be held there, they would prefer to postpone it for a year, citing reduced participation when it was relocated in the past. The motion did not receive a second.
Chairman Nathan Kitchens said three contractors involved in the project advised waiting a year before allowing heavy foot traffic on the newly laid sod. Liability concerns were also noted. Commissioners briefly discussed whether liability insurance would also be required for other events held on county property, such as the Fall Festival.
Burch also questioned the timing of the sod installation, suggesting the delay was due to contractor neglect and noting the sod was still under warranty. He argued the community should not lose out on the event’s economic benefit, pointing out that the 2019 Christmas on the Square generated nearly $2 million in local business and increased tax revenue. A motion to hold a special meeting the following week to revisit the issue also failed due to lack of a second.
Jerome Thompson Appointed County Attorney
The Commission unanimously appointed Jerome Thompson as County Attorney. Thompson, the only applicant, was recommended following an interview that Chairman Kitchens said went “very well.”
Public Transportation Updates
Commissioners approved listing three vans as surplus and initially voted to add one full-time driver. Questions were raised about whether the position was fully funded, leading to further discussion. It was noted that ALDOT had approved an amended grant covering two full-time drivers and new scheduling software designed specifically for public transportation.
The software will track passenger hours, mileage, and ridership metrics required by ALDOT. The state will cover 80% of the cost, with the county responsible for $7,145 upfront and $3,716 annually. Commissioners added the amended grant to the agenda and approved it to meet the October 1 fiscal year deadline.
Other Actions and Appointments
Roads: Annual bids approved; CR 131 named the J. Heath Potter Memorial Road; the bridge named the Corbett C.C. Potter Memorial Bridge.
Parks: Dyson Group awarded a $90,550 bid for Veterans dugouts.
EMA: Joined the Alabama Interlocal Mutual Aid Agreement and approved selling an EMA boat.
Sheriff’s Office: Approved a school traffic control contract with the Board of Education.
Personnel: Chief Clerk position adjusted to Grade 8, Step 5.
Farmers Market: Approved an $8,500 project to seal, patch, and stripe the parking lot.
Solid Waste: Declared a 2011 Crew Cab truck surplus.
Appointments: Sergeant Antoine Plotter appointed to the DHR board; Randy Bowerman appointed to Farmers Market District 4; CAPNA board appointment tabled until next month.
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.