BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER
HGOLDFINGER@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
LEE COUNTY —
The Lee County Commission recognized Jimmy Wood, shop foreman for the Lee County Highway Department, during its meeting on Monday night.
Wood has been working for Lee County for over 28 years, said County Engineer Justin Hardee.
He began his career as a part-time litter control person.
“Now what this meant at the time is far from what it means today with our litter control technician and the inmates that work on the roadways,” Hardee said. “When Mr. Wood started, the litter control person was Mr. Wood in a county pickup truck, driving the country roads, picking up trash that he came across. And that’s where it started.”
From there, Wood became a compact operator and then a mechanic in the Solid Waste Department.
Eight years ago, he became the shop foreman for the Highway Department.
“I cannot speak enough about what this gentleman did during the transition from our collection site system to our curbside system,” Hardee said. “That was coming on the heels of COVID, we were short-handed, we were trying to staff the best we could, at times we were trying to run two systems and it is not an exaggeration to say this man worked tirelessly to do that for this county, repeatedly, week after week.
“… I felt compelled when he turned in his retirement paperwork, I wanted to make sure he got publicly recognized for his dedication, his loyalty to this county, I appreciate it to me, as well, Jimmy. In all sincerity, you’ve been a good employee and, as far as I’m concerned, a good friend. And I thank you for that.”
Wood said that his work has been a pleasure.
“It’s all about the employees, the units, the unit one, two, three four bridge, the guys, the women that come out and help us every day and do their job,” he said. “It’s rough out there, and they make it happen. And that’s what made me be who I am today. So congratulations to them too.”
District 3 Commissioner Gary Long wished Wood luck in retirement and thanked him for his service as well.
OTHER BUSINESS:
– The commission heard a complaint from Elizabeth Burton on procedures and policies.
– The commission voted to approve an ABC Lounge Retail Liquor License for Big Dads Package Store 2.
– The commission approved Educational Reimbursement Request for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
– The commission approved an application for the ADECA State Energy Program Grant.