Cherokee County Commission Sets Opening of New Courthouse in Historic Meeting
Centre — The Cherokee County Commission marked a historic milestone Monday morning, officially designating the county’s new courthouse and setting its first day of business for Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
The resolution, read aloud by County Administrator Daniel Steele, was adopted unanimously during the Commission’s regular meeting at the Cherokee County Administrative Building. Following the vote, Probate Judge Tim Burgess addressed officials who will occupy the new facility, stating, “You have a new home.”
The courthouse resolution highlighted a full agenda for the Commission, which began with a 9 a.m. planning session followed by the 10 a.m. public meeting. Burgess called the meeting to order. Commissioners Jones, Nichols, Shaw, and Teague were present, establishing a quorum. No public comments were made by citizens or elected officials.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, given in honor of the Military Family Readiness Center at Maxwell Air Force Base, followed by an invocation from Judge Jeremy Taylor. Commissioners approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda, which included prior meeting minutes and payables. There were no public hearings or old business items.
In new business, the courthouse resolution was described by Burgess as marking a “historic day” for Cherokee County. The unanimous vote clears the way for official operations to begin April 15, although a grand opening parade and ceremony are planned for May 1. The existing courthouse has served the county for nearly 90 years.
You can read the resolution here:
Resolution of the Cherokee County Commission - 4-13-25 - Page 1
Resolution of the Cherokee County Commission - 4-13-25 - Page 2
Local judges, elected officials, and community members attended the meeting for the signing. Judge Jeremy Taylor and District Attorney Summer Summerford offered brief remarks, thanking the Commission for its role in advancing a project they said will significantly benefit both the public and the judicial system.
Following a brief recess for remarks and photographs, the Commission resumed business with the adoption of a proclamation recognizing April 12–18 as Alabama Extension Week. County Extension Director Landon Marks and his staff were present for the signing.
Marks spoke about the importance of extension services, reflecting on his upbringing in rural Cullman County and the influence of 4-H programs. He emphasized the role of the extension office as a local access point for research-based resources, particularly in agriculture, and thanked his staff for their service to Cherokee County residents.
Commissioners also unanimously approved a resolution recognizing April 12–18, 2026, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
Additional items approved during the meeting included annual agreements with Southern Software Inc. totaling $11,224 for systems supporting jail management, records management, analytics, mobile access, and biometric scanning. The Commission also approved a commissary services agreement addendum between the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Legacy Commissary Services LLC.
In personnel-related business, Burgess was appointed to the CED Mental Health Board to fill an unexpired term ending April 1, 2031.
The Commission further approved a lease agreement between the Cherokee County Extension and the county for property located at 130 East Main Street in Centre. The agreement facilitates the extension office’s relocation to the former Cherokee County Board of Education building.
At the conclusion of regular business, the Commission entered executive session citing pending or threatened litigation and matters of commerce or trade, as permitted under Sections 7(a)(3) and 7(a)(7) of Act 2005-40. The county attorney confirmed both as valid legal grounds for the closed session.
The meeting adjourned following the executive session.
