Large crowd for Chamber's annual State of the County event
ANNISTON — On Friday morning, 11 county department heads — or their representatives — spoke to about 200 county leaders at the annual State of the County that takes place at the initiation of the Calhoun County Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Center.
Calhoun County Commission Terry Howell emceed the meeting and said how much help each department had given the five commissioners. He mentioned Rodney McCain, head of the highway department who oversees care for the county's roads and bridges, and Naomi Viola, who oversees animal control issues in the county.
'Today, we're going to showcase a whole lot of great people today, and that is really what Calhoun County is all about,' Howell said. 'I say we're always better together, and we're all difference-makers.'
One speaker who is new to her job is Probate Judge Shirley Millwood, who briefly described her past experience in several fields as both an administrator at a law office and, later, as a private attorney. She emphasized her concern for the county's children, especially the 250 children now in foster care. She, as did other speakers, encouraged those present to consider becoming a foster parent and to spread the word of the county children's need.
Millwood took office Jan. 20 and emphasized her commitment to modernizing the probate office. Among her primary initiative is the introduction of electronic payment options, a move aimed at improving efficiency for the public. Currently, individuals seeking probate services must rely on cash or checks, requiring them to leave the office to access an ATM. Millwood said she has met with software vendors and is working toward a seamless transition to digital payments.
She also noted significant efforts to enhance the office's technology, which will not only benefit the public but also improve efficiency for attorneys practicing in the county. While acknowledging that such upgrades come with growing pains, Millwood reassured the crowd that her experience in transitioning offices to paperless systems would help minimize disruptions.
'We are working diligently to ensure a smooth transition,' she said. 'Our goal is to improve service without burdening the public.'
Another major development is the future launch of a social media platform dedicated to providing public service announcements and updates on the probate office's activities. This initiative is expected to increase transparency and keep residents informed.
Filling in for Sheriff Matthew Wade was Chief Deputy Lynde Meeder, who provided an overview of the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office operations. She detailed the department's extensive workload, including processing nearly 3,000 reports and 4,200 arrests last year. The sheriff's office also conducted more than 200,000 business checks and served about 7,500 civil papers.
Meeder praised the county commission's support in improving staffing levels and funding renovations at the jail. Upgrades include a revamped intake facility, kitchen renovations, and an expanded medical wing designed to accommodate inmates with mental health concerns.
Both officials expressed optimism about the county's progress and the collaborative efforts of local government agencies in addressing community needs.
Commissioner Danny Shears wrapped up the event by highlighting several ongoing projects the county has achieved.
'In District 2, we are making progress on a new community center in the Choccolocco area, alongside the Thankful Community Center in Commissioner Wilson's district,' Shears said. 'It was mentioned earlier that we will soon have a ribbon-cutting for the new water tower in Wellborn, benefiting many residents. It's an honor to be a commissioner. Leadership requires tough decisions, but I'm grateful to serve alongside dedicated leaders.'
Other speakers who shared the accomplishments and goals of their departments were Barry Roberts, the commissioner of licenses; Tim Hodges, the revenue commissioner; Pat Brown, the county's coroner; Myles Chamblee, the emergency management director and McCain, the county engineer.
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