Chambers County honors retiring commissioners, hears public safety pleas
BY SAM VISE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
CHAMBERS COUNTY — The Chambers County Commission marked the end of an era on Oct.19 during its final meeting ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, honoring two departing commissioners for a combined 36 years of service and hearing public appeals regarding local safety and immigration concerns.
Monday marked the final meeting for District 5 Commissioner David Eastridge, who is retiring after 28 years and seven terms on the commission, and District 3 Commissioner James Williams, who concluded an eight-year tenure.
County Attorney Skip McCoy presented Eastridge with a commemorative plaque.
“David was elected chairman many times, because the people had confidence in him,” McCoy said. “His peers had confidence in him. They trusted him. He was a sound voice and used good judgment. In the last 28 years, I’ve never heard him raise his voice because when he spoke, the commissioners respected what he had to say.”
Eastridge thanked his family, county staff, highway crews and constituents for their longstanding support.
“I’d like to thank all the voters in District 5 for allowing me to serve,” Eastridge said. “If it hadn’t been for them allowing me to be here, I wouldn’t have been here… it has been a joy, and I am going to miss it.”
Commissioners also recognized Williams for his dedication to representing countywide interests.
“I have enjoyed serving the people of District 3 and all of Chambers County,” Williams said. “It’s not just District 3 when you sit up here. You’re a voice for everyone in the county.”
During public comments, representatives from the LaFayette Latino Outreach Group addressed the commission regarding heightened fear and vulnerability within the local Hispanic community following reported federal immigration enforcement activity.
LaFayette Fire and EMS Chief Jim Doody, who co-founded the group in February 2024 to build trust, expand healthcare and introduce English as a Second Language courses with Southern Union State Community College, urged that public safety must protect every resident without exception.
“Imagine being robbed, imagine being pistol-whipped and physically assaulted, and still be afraid to call 911,” Doody said. “This is a reality for members of the Latino community. Fear of being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement keeps victims from seeking help and reporting crimes. This work is not political, it’s all about public safety and human dignity. Regardless of immigration status, no one should be afraid to call 911, seek medical emergency care or report a crime. In LaFayette, the doors to emergency care, public safety and human compassion must remain open to everyone.”
Co-leader Merilyn Vines and local business owner Roxana Ramirez of Monte Alban Mexican Restaurant echoed the need for community unity, describing the emotional toll on families afraid to leave their homes or send children to school.
“Behind every person is a family — children, parents and loved ones. These families are forever changed by the fear of being separated,” Ramirez said. “We are all part of the same community, and we all deserve compassion, dignity and support.”
Commissioner Charlie Williams voiced concern following the public comments.
“I talked with the Sheriff and a couple other people earlier today. To be honest, I did not know we had ICE in our community,” he said. “It’s a very bad thing in our community. I’m not here advocating we should let everybody in our port, but we just got to be human.”
In other business, the commission:
• Approved a three-year tax abatement, presented by Chambers County Development Authority Executive Director Chris Busby, for a Hyundai Motors Manufacturing Alabama retooling investment totaling $7,443,283 across four local suppliers. The project abates $204,690 in sales and use taxes while collecting $93,091, and it abates $87,824 in ad valorem taxes while collecting $92,490, with all educational and county road and bridge taxes remaining fully intact.
• Approved the purchase of a new RA-400 one-man pothole patcher from Tractor & Equipment Co. for $341,600 through the Association of County Commissions of Alabama’s joint bid. Eastridge noted inflation on heavy equipment, pointing out that the county’s previous patcher purchase in 2021 was $218,894.
• Approved reallocating an unexpended balance of $90,696.81 in American Rescue Plan Act revenue replacement funds from the courthouse project to reimburse the county general fund for prior eligible sheriff’s office personnel costs.
• Presented certificates of appreciation to highway department construction crew member Derrick Bell for five years of service and Chambers County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Jonathan Williams for five years of dedicated law enforcement service.
• County Engineer Josh Harvill announced crews completed stabilization on 1.5 miles of County Road 388. Crews will close County Road 53 roughly 1 mile north of the Union Hill Community Center starting this week to replace a failing cross-drain pipe, with detours posted online, followed by pipe replacement and lining work on County Road 62 next week.
• Announced applications for solid waste exemptions must be submitted to the solid waste office no later than Dec. 31, with renewal notices being mailed out.
• Celebrated receiving its fourth consecutive Alabama PALS Governor’s Award for roadside litter prevention, noting that 67 miles of roadway were cleared this past year. Local student winners from LaFayette High School and Chambers Academy, along with the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office and LaFayette Rotary Club, will be recognized at the state ceremony on Nov. 10.
• Announced the next regular commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12, at 4 p.m. CT following Veterans Day. County offices will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
