CENTRE– The Cherokee County Commission adopted a disaster mitigation plan and approved service agreements and personnel actions Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Commissioners approved the 2025 Cherokee County Alabama Natural Disaster Mitigation Plan as an added agenda item. The five-year plan brings the county into compliance with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency. The county will update the plan again in 2030.

However, commissioners tabled the proposed District III appointment to the Cherokee County Industrial Development Authority and moved it to old business. The appointment would fill an unexpired term ending in January 2029.

All votes were unanimous, including approval of the remaining business items.

Service Agreements and Personnel Actions

Commissioners approved a $2,500 fiscal year 2027 agreement with Jacksonville State University for forensic services, consultation, and education. They also authorized the chairman to sign the agreement.

In addition, the commission approved a $3,135 proposal from Solutions II, Inc. for IBM system hardware maintenance. Commissioners authorized the chairman to sign that agreement as well.

The commission also approved posting two Animal Care Worker positions at the Cherokee County Animal Shelter. Both positions carry a Grade 3, Step 1 classification.

Additionally, commissioners approved hiring Elliot Johnson as an HMT-1 at the Cherokee County Highway Department. That position also carries a Grade 3, Step 1 classification.

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

Pledge Honors Alabama Medal of Honor Recipient

The meeting’s Pledge of Allegiance honored Marine Corps Master Sergeant Alford Lee McLaughlin, a Medal of Honor recipient from Leeds, Alabama.

McLaughlin earned the nation’s highest decoration for valor during the Korean War. He defended an outpost in the Bunker Hill area on the night of Sept. 4–5, 1952.

Although wounded, McLaughlin alternated between two machine guns until the weapons became too hot to hold. He then continued defending the position with a carbine and hand grenades.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower presented McLaughlin with the Medal of Honor at the White House on Oct. 27, 1953. McLaughlin also received two Purple Hearts for wounds sustained during the Korean War.

Finally, the commission’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 26, at 5 p.m.

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