Cherokee County Commission Holds January Meeting
Receives Courthouse Update and Makes Appointments
Centre — The Cherokee County Commission held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, January 12. A planning session was conducted at 9 a.m., followed by the public meeting at 10 a.m. in the Commission Chambers.
Commission Chairman Tim Burgess called the meeting to order. There were no public comments from citizens or elected officials. A roll call was conducted to establish a quorum, with Chairman Burgess and District 1 Commissioner Jones, District 2 Commissioner Nichols, District 3 Commissioner Shaw, and District 4 Commissioner Teauge all present.
Chairman Burgess led the Pledge of Allegiance, which was dedicated to the U.S. Navy SEALs. During the dedication, it was noted that the Navy SEALs are a maritime special operations force with strategic impact. Naval Special Warfare mission areas include unconventional warfare, direct action, counterterrorism, special reconnaissance, foreign internal defense, information warfare, security assistance, counter-drug operations, personnel recovery, and hydrographic reconnaissance. Although Naval Special Warfare personnel comprise less than one percent of U.S. Navy personnel, their ability to operate across the spectrum of conflict and provide real-time intelligence offers significant operational value. The invocation was delivered by Commissioner Jones.
There were no awards or presentations. The commission unanimously approved the agenda, followed by approval of the consent agenda, which consisted of the previous meeting’s minutes and approved payables.
County Administrator Daniel Steele delivered the only report from staff and agencies, providing an update on the construction of the new courthouse. Steele stated that contractors and installers are currently working on the installation of IT and electronic systems throughout the building. Televisions and related equipment have been installed in the courtrooms, and some judges participated in training on the new systems last week. Steele said a “punch list” noting any deficiencies will be compiled soon. Work on the parking lot and landscaping is expected to continue this week, and staging of the columns for the front of the building is also anticipated. No completion date is available at this time, but Steele stated that progress continues.
There were no public hearings or items of old business.
Under new business, the first item was an announcement read by Chairman Burgess regarding an upcoming appointment to the Cherokee County Public Library Board. The announcement stated that the appointment or reappointment of one position will take place at the Monday, February 9, 2006 meeting. The appointment is for a term ending in February 2030. Submissions of resumes and letters will be accepted through Wednesday, February 4, 2026, until the close of business in the Commission Office.
The commission then voted to appoint Billy Seals of District 2 to the Industrial Development Authority to fill a six-year term ending in January 2031. A motion and second were made, and the item passed.
A related motion to appoint a representative from District 3 to the Industrial Development Authority was tabled until the next meeting to allow time for names to be considered for nomination. This position was left open following the election of Mayor Bill Warren to his mayoral position.
The fourth item on the agenda passed, appointing Johnny Roberts to the Cherokee County Healthcare Authority to fill a six-year unexpired term ending in December 2028.
The fifth item on the agenda, approval of the FY 2025 Rebuild Alabama Annual Report as presented by County Engineer Evan Morgan, was approved.
The commission then voted to enter executive session for the purpose of discussing administrative hearing matters under Section 7(a) of Act 2005-40. The county attorney stated that the matter qualified as a valid reason under Alabama law to enter executive session. A motion was made and seconded and passed by roll call vote, 3–0, with Commissioners Jones, Nichols, and Shaw voting in favor and Commissioner Teauge abstaining.
Following the executive session, the commission took the following action:
“Adopt and affirm the recommendation of the Personnel Review Board received via email on January 7, 2026.”
The vote on that action was three in favor, with one abstention.
