CENTRE — The Cherokee County Commission unanimously approved five new-business items during its Monday, Aug. 10 meeting.

The actions covered County Road 336, county technology services, juvenile detention, bookkeeping, and a Health Care Authority appointment. Commissioners also received updates on courthouse financing and animal shelter construction.

The commission held a planning session at 9 a.m. The regular public meeting followed at 10 a.m. in the commission chambers.

Chairman Tim Burgess attended with commissioners Randy Jones, Roger Nichols, Ronnie Shaw, and Carlton “Bubba” Teague.

Courthouse Project Complete

County Administrator Daniel Steele gave the only report from county staff and agencies.

Steele said the county courthouse project is complete. Some money remains in the project’s construction account because of the financing structure.

The county must transfer that money into its debt-service account. Staff members plan to reconcile the account and arrange the transfer within the next several weeks.

Steele said the remaining funds will apply toward an October debt payment.

Work Continues at Animal Shelter

Steele also updated commissioners on the county’s animal shelter project.

Block masons continue building kennels inside the structure. An electrician worked at the site during the previous week, while crews continued exterior finishing work.

The commission granted the contractor a nine-day extension during its previous meeting. Steele said the project team hopes to catch up and complete the remaining work soon.

He invited commissioners to contact him if they wanted to tour the project and review its progress.

Five New-Business Items Approved

Commissioners approved a backup and disaster-recovery services agreement with Southern Data Automation Inc. The action also authorized Burgess to sign the agreement.

The commission appointed Gene Farmer to the Cherokee County Health Care Authority. Farmer will fill the remainder of an unexpired six-year term ending in December 2026.

Officials said three names were available for consideration. Farmer received the only nomination before the unanimous vote.

Commissioners also approved a memorandum of understanding with the District Attorney’s Office for Alabama’s Ninth Judicial Circuit. The agreement concerns bookkeeping services and authorizes Burgess to sign.

Another vote approved a long-term detention subsidy contract with the Alabama Department of Youth Services. The contract runs from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027.

The final item was added to the printed agenda. Commissioners agreed to accept an extension of County Road 336 into county maintenance, according to its legal description.

Burgess said the road extension is in District 1.

All five new-business items passed unanimously.

The commission also approved its meeting agenda and consent agenda. The consent agenda included previous meeting minutes and approved payables.

Pledge Honors Medal of Honor Recipient George Watson

Before conducting business, Burgess led the Pledge of Allegiance in honor of U.S. Army Private George Watson. Commissioner Jones delivered the invocation.

Watson was born in Birmingham and entered the Army in September 1942. He served as a bath and laundry specialist with the 2nd Battalion, 29th Quartermaster Regiment.

Watson traveled aboard the Army-chartered Dutch steamer Jacob near Porlock Harbor, New Guinea, on March 8, 1943. Japanese bombers attacked and struck the vessel, forcing everyone aboard to abandon ship.

Watson was a strong swimmer. However, he remained in deep water instead of seeking safety.

He repeatedly helped soldiers who could not swim reach life rafts. Watson continued until exhaustion left him unable to escape the sinking ship’s suction.

Watson drowned, and his body was never recovered. His actions saved several fellow soldiers.

The Army posthumously awarded Watson the Distinguished Service Cross on June 13, 1943. At the time, it was the Army’s second-highest award for valor.

Decades later, an Army-commissioned study examined racial disparities in World War II military awards. The study found that Black soldiers had faced systematic discrimination during the Medal of Honor review process.

Congress approved legislation allowing the president to reconsider those cases. President Bill Clinton posthumously awarded Watson the Medal of Honor on Jan. 13, 1997.

Watson was among seven Black World War II soldiers honored that day. He was the only member of the group whose Medal of Honor action occurred in the Pacific Theater.

Burgess said the commission continues recognizing Medal of Honor recipients and the personal sacrifices behind their service.

No citizens or other elected officials addressed the commission Monday. Commissioners held no public hearings, executive session, or closing discussion.

The commission will hold its next regular meeting Monday, Aug. 24, at 5 p.m.

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