Chambers Commission adopts FY27 budget, extends Engineer Harvill’s contract
BY SAM VISE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
CHAMBERS COUNTY — The Chambers County Commission adopted its fiscal year 2027 operating budget and extended County Engineer Josh Harvill’s contract for another five years during the Monday, Sept. 28 meeting.
County Manager Regina Chambers presented the FY 2027 budget, which projects $39,496,288 in total revenues and $38,695,340 in expenditures. The balanced budget includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for county employees effective Oct. 5.
The commission also unanimously approved a five-year employment contract renewal for Harvill, extending his tenure as county engineer through Sept. 30, 2031. The agreement mirrors his existing contract terms.
Commissioners praised Harvill’s leadership and track record heading the Chambers County Highway Department.
“I’ve been on the commission since 2012, and not once in that time has Josh Harvill been [anything] but an excellent employee,” Commissioner Charlie Williams said. “We’re very fortunate and grateful to have you, and hope you have many more years.”
Echoing Williams, Commissioner Sam Bradford added, “If there’s a better engineer in the state, I’d like to see it.”
Harvill also delivered a highway update, announcing that road crews officially wrapped up the final reconstruction project of the 2026 summer season on County Road 9 between County Road 10 and Alabama State Route 50. Highway crews will focus on site cleanups and low-shoulder work this week while contractors prepare to begin paved shoulder safety improvements on County Road 83, followed by work on County Road 79, a city partnership project on Fob James Drive in Valley and fall resurfacing.
In Other Business, the Commission:
Honored three county employees for dedicated service — Donna Freeman for 25 years with the Revenue Commission, Tela Danford for 10 years with the Probate Office and Lewis “Brad” Morris for five years with the Highway Department.
Approved a resolution distributing $217,252 from equalized sales tax revenue to 12 rural volunteer fire departments: Cusseta, Abanda, Mount Olive, Lakeview, Beulah, Standing Rock, Ridge Grove, Oak Bowery, Five Points, West Chambers, Union Hill and Huguley. Funds will be allocated on a quarterly basis, totaling roughly $4,500 per department each quarter.
Approved a resolution renewing participation in the ACCA Workers’ Compensation Self-Insurers Fund through Sept. 30, 2030, keeping the county eligible for performance stipends.
Authorized Commission Chairman Douglas Jones to execute the FY 2027 Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force grant application, which is expected to remain level-funded at $200,000.
Set an External Affairs Committee meeting for 2:30 p.m. CT on Monday, Oct. 5, ahead of the next regular commission meeting at 4 p.m. CT. A Rules, Ways and Means Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 19, at 2 p.m CT. County offices will be closed Monday, Oct. 12, for Columbus Day.
