BY SAM VISE, THE LAFAYETTE SUN
CHAMBERS COUNTY — The Chambers County Commission welcomed two new members and
returned one incumbent during a swearing-in ceremony at its regular meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12.
County Attorney Skip McCoy administered the oaths of office to District 6 incumbent Debra Riley,
District 5 newcomer Sara Crutchfield and District 3 newcomer John Benefield at the start of the meeting.
“Today is a special day for all of you that are here,” McCoy said. “I especially know it’s a special day for
the three people that will be seated on the commission. We’re welcoming back one commissioner, and
we’re welcoming two new commissioners.”
Surrounded by family members and supporters, each commissioner took the oath to uphold the U.S. and Alabama constitutions before taking their seats on the bench.
Following the meeting, Crutchfield said she was grateful for the support of her loved ones as she begins her term.
“[I am] super excited, very blessed and so thankful to have so many of my family members here with me this evening, and I’m eager to start working hard for Chambers County,” Crutchfield said.
Benefield also shared his enthusiasm for serving the community in his new role.
“I’m looking forward to working with people from my district and the people from the whole county,
trying to make Chambers County one of the best places to live,” Benefield said.
In addition to the swearing-in ceremony, County Engineer Josh Harvill updated the commission on an
emergency bridge closure on Chambers County Road 92 that went into effect Nov. 11.
Harvill said a local logger operating in the area worked with the county to establish an alternate plan so he can continue his operations without crossing the bridge. County crews are now working toward an
emergency reopening.
“We’re in the process of making an emergency opening of the bridge,” Harvill said. “Hopefully in the
next month, I should be able to give y’all a plan on that, if not at the next commission meeting.”
Harvill also reported that paving operations have wrapped up on County Road 79 near the Cusseta
Industrial Park. Crews were scheduled to begin resurfacing work on a dirt section of County Road 83,
located just outside of LaFayette, starting Monday, Nov. 16.
In other business:
● During elected official comments, Commission Chair Sam Bradford announced Chambers
County recently earned five awards at an Alabama PALS (People Against a Littered State) event
attended by County Manager Regina Chambers and local teachers. Notably, Chambers County
received the sole county award for the entire state of Alabama, recognizing the commission’s
funding support and the work of Chambers Troup LLC. The awards will be formally presented at
the commission’s first meeting in December.
● County Manager Chambers announced that a Public Facilities and Infrastructure Committee
meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16, at 8 a.m. CT at County Attorney Skip McCoy’s
office.
