Gov’t complex to close Dec. 26, 31

These will not be paid holidays for county employees, but workers can use their leave days on these dates.

These days are in addition to the regular paid holidays of Dec. 24, 25 and Jan. 1.

In other matters Dec. 3, the BOC heard from commission chairman Anthony Dove, who reported that local sales tax revenues were up 16 percent in November compared to the same month last year. Overall, sales tax revenues are up eight percent in 2012 compared to 2011.

Dove reported that the Whitworth Detention Center will soon be an “all female” facility. The county has contracted with the detention center for inmate labor for several years, with inmates picking up trash on county roads. The chairman said all female crews will be available in February. The annual contract for inmate labor crews will be up for renewal in July.

“We’ll have time to see how it’s working out,” he said.

Commissioner Mike Youngblood noted that people sentenced to community service hours can also be assigned to trash pickup on county roads.

In other matters, the board agreed to update its 1999 “mutual aid agreement” between Madison County and municipalities in the county. This will help the city of Comer get a radar license.

The board approved a new term for Steve Ellis on the county planning commission.

Dove reported that the improvements at the dangerous curve on Colbert-Danielsville Road will begin soon. Commissioner Jim Escoe said the curve needs appropriate warning signs.