BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER
HGOLDFINGER@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
LEE COUNTY —
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office recognized several retiring employees during the Lee County Commission Monday night meeting.
“We always like to tell them that retirement’s a big deal, it is a big deal, especially when you’ve contributed as much as these individuals have,” said Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones.
School Resource Officer Deputy Heather Norred, who filled several roles with the sheriff’s office, is retiring after more than 18 years.
“[She] has done — the only way to describe it would be — exemplary job and performance in regard to working with our schools, protecting our school children and just basically in great service to the citizens of Lee County,” Jones said.
Marleen Powell, administration clerk, is retiring after over 30 years with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
“If a document comes through our office that has anything to do with the court system, you can call her and she doesn’t have to look it up, she goes ‘Oh yeah I know all about that,’” Jones said. “She can tell you who it is, where they live, what kind of car they drive, everything. In other words, her information is fast. And she knows the process, knows the systems and is an extremely valuable member of our agency.”
Capt. Craig Meadows served with the Sheriff’s Office for over 40 years.
“He’s done a little bit of everything,” Jones said. “… I just like to call his division just ‘whatever we need done’ division.”
Finally, Communications Officer Mitzi James was honored for nine years with the sheriff’s office and seven more in communications.
“She has her family with her here tonight … and we just want to recognize her,” Jones said.
Jones said the door is always open to these employees.
“We love these folks,” Jones said. “We hate to see them go but we know they’re going to enjoy their next step in life.”
EVALUATIONS:
The Lee County Commission approved the evaluations and 4% raises for both the county engineer and EMA director.
Both Justin Hardee, county engineer, and Rita Smith, EMA director, had their evaluations approved during the commission meeting Monday night.
“Justin, I’d like to say, I appreciate what you do for the county, we’re very fortunate to have you here,” said District 1 Commissioner Doug Cannon.
OTHER BUSINESS:
- County Administrator Holly Leverette recognized two county employees.
- The commission listened to the Alabama Department of Revenue presentation.
- The commission heard the second reading and approved two openings on the Horseshoe Bend Regional Library.
- The commission heard the second reading and approved three openings on the Lee County Department of Human Resources Board.
- The commission heard the second reading and approved an opening on the Lee County Youth Development Board.
- The commission approved an ABC Lounge Retail Liquor License Application for Thirstys.
- The commission approved an ABC One Day Event License for B&B Beverage Management.
- The commission approved an educational reimbursement request for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
- The commission approved the Columbus-Phenix City MPO Resolution for Resurfacing Lee Road 235.
- The commission approved the final plat approval for Goat Rock Ridge Subdivisions, Phase III.
- The commission approved the final plat approval for Goat Rock Ridge Subdivision, Phase IV.
- The commission approved the final plat approval for LeFranc Parcel B-3A Property Division
- The commission approved the administration and collection of taxes levied by the county.
- The commission approved a reclassification of a position in the Building Inspections Department.