Covington County Commission Approves FY 2027 Budget, Highlights Continued Debt Reduction
The Covington County Commission met in a Special Called Meeting on Monday, September 28, 2026, to consider the FY 2027 budget, annual contracts, the 2027 holiday schedule, discretionary fund requests, and other budget-related matters. The meeting and those items were included in the county’s published public notice and official Agenda Center.
All commissioners were present. Chairman Michael Smith called the meeting to order, Commissioner McGaha led the invocation, and Chairman Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commission Enters Executive Session
Chairman Smith requested an amendment to the agenda to allow the Commission to enter executive session regarding contracts associated with the FY 2027 budget.
Commissioner Courson made the motion, Commissioner Weaver seconded, and each commissioner was polled and voted in favor. The executive session lasted a little more than 30 minutes before commissioners returned to open session.
FY 2027 Budget Approved
Following the executive session, commissioners reviewed the proposed FY 2027 budget.
Among the items included in the new budget is a 4% cost-of-living increase for county employees, beginning with the first pay period in October.
The budget also provides a one-time $500 pay supplement for full-time employees and a $250 one-time supplement for part-time employees.
The county will absorb an approximately 3.1% increase in employee insurance costs.
Additional budget items include changes to the manning charts for Mapping and Appraisal and the Covington Center Arena, funding for two vehicles for the Sheriff’s Office, equipment for the Road Department, and continued appropriations to outside agencies.
Chairman Smith asked commissioners if there were any additional questions or discussion regarding the budget.
Commissioner McGaha made a motion to approve the FY 2027 budget as presented. Commissioner Weaver seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted in favor.
2027 Holiday Schedule Approved
Commissioners next considered the county’s holiday schedule for calendar year 2027.
The schedule will remain the same as the previous year and will continue to include Juneteenth, which was added to the county holiday schedule last year.
Commissioner Holmes stated that she would like the Commission to consider adding Good Friday in the future while potentially removing another holiday from the schedule.
Commissioner Weaver made a motion to approve the 2027 holiday schedule. Commissioner McGaha seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted in favor.
Annual Service Contracts Approved
The Commission considered annual service contracts associated with the FY 2027 budget.
Commissioner Holmes made a motion to approve the contracts. Commissioner McGaha seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted in favor.
Personnel and Policy Changes Approved
Commissioners also considered several additional approvals related to the new fiscal year budget.
The changes include adding a Clerk 5 position, changes to the Revenue Commissioner’s manning chart, additional positions at the Covington Center Arena, and a policy change allowing part-time and temporary employees to receive safety incentives.
Commissioner Courson made a motion to approve the changes. Commissioner Weaver seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted in favor.
Commissioner Discretionary Funds Allocated
The Commission also approved several requests for the disbursement of remaining 2026 commissioner discretionary funds.
Commissioner Holmes requested $300 for the Alabama Junior High School Rodeo, $500 for the Robotics Team, $500 for the Florala High School Band Program, $500 for Pleasant Home Softball, and $500 for W.S. Harlan Physical Education playground equipment.
Commissioner McGaha made a motion to approve Commissioner Holmes’ requests. Commissioner Courson seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted in favor.
Commissioner Courson requested $300 for the Robotics Team, $1,000 for Covington County 4-H, and $1,000 for the Covington County DAR Good Citizenship program.
Commissioner Holmes made a motion to approve Commissioner Courson’s requests. Commissioner McGaha seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted in favor.
Commissioner Weaver requested $300 for the Robotics Team and $2,000 for Straughn Softball.
Commissioner Courson made a motion to approve Commissioner Weaver’s requests. Commissioner Holmes seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted in favor.
Engineer Department Vehicle Purchase Amended
The Commission revisited a previously approved vehicle purchase for the County Engineer’s Office after the final purchase price came in approximately $200 higher than the amount originally approved.
Commissioner Holmes made a motion to approve the purchase at the revised amount. Commissioner McGaha seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted in favor.
County Continues Reduction in Outstanding Debt
Before adjournment, Chairman Smith thanked the commissioners and county department heads for their work in preparing the FY 2027 budget.
The county currently has approximately $6.17 million outstanding on bond issues and expects to make more than $840,000 in bond payments during FY 2027. Those payments would reduce the outstanding bond debt to approximately $5.33 million by the end of FY 2027.
Commissioner Holmes noted that approximately 10 years ago, the county’s debt was roughly $19 million.
With no additional items on the agenda, the meeting was adjourned.
Upcoming Meetings
The next Commission Workshop will be held Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Commission Chambers.
The next regular Covington County Commission Meeting will be held Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Commission Chambers.
As always, the public is invited to attend.
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