Tung Oil Road to Remain Open Following Public Hearing
The Covington County Commission met in regular session Tuesday, September 22, 2026, with all commissioners present. The meeting included a scheduled public hearing on the proposed partial closure of Tung Oil Road, along with board appointments, assistance for the Town of River Falls, and other county business. The public hearing and related road-closure petition were listed on the Commission’s official agenda.
Commissioner McGaha led the invocation, and Chairman Michael Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Public Hearing Held on Tung Oil Road
The Commission opened a scheduled public hearing concerning a petition to close a portion of Tung Oil Road.
Jeremy Williams spoke on behalf of Donald Baucom, who petitioned for the road closure. Williams discussed concerns involving unauthorized hunting and fishing on Baucom’s property and said the problems have persisted for approximately 20 years.
Jennifer Webber, an attorney speaking on behalf of the Department of Natural Resources, spoke in opposition to the closure. She said the department uses Tung Oil Road to transport equipment rather than traveling on busier roadways.
Several other individuals also addressed the Commission in opposition to the proposed closure.
Following those comments, the public hearing was closed.
Tung Oil Road Will Remain Open
The Commission then considered the petition for the partial closure of Tung Oil Road.
Commissioner Holmes said she could understand the concerns presented by both sides. No motion was made to approve the closure, and Chairman Smith announced that Tung Oil Road will remain open.
Gary Smith Reappointed to Airport Authority
The Commission considered an expiring position on the South Alabama Regional Airport Authority.
The position is a joint appointment involving Covington County and the cities of Andalusia and Opp. Both cities had previously moved to reappoint Gary Smith.
Commissioner Holmes made a motion for the county to reappoint Smith. Commissioner Weaver seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted in favor.
Mark Mills Reappointed to Recreation Board
Commissioner Weaver made a motion to reappoint Mark Mills to the Covington County Recreation Board.
Commissioner McGaha seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted in favor.
River Falls In-Kind Assistance Approved
The Commission considered a request from the Town of River Falls for in-kind assistance with portions of Covington Street.
County Engineer Derick Donaldson explained that some areas need riprap placed in ditches, while other portions require pipe and inlets to close sections of the existing drainage system.
The estimated cost of materials is approximately $15,000. Donaldson said one portion of the project is needed within the next month or so, while the piping work could be completed during the winter. He estimated the total project would require approximately five to six workdays.
Commissioner Weaver asked whether completing the work at one time would be more efficient than making multiple trips, and Donaldson said it would.
After discussion about including fuel costs in the estimate, Commissioner McGaha made a motion to approve the assistance contingent upon the additional fuel expense being included. Commissioner Weaver seconded the motion, and all commissioners voted in favor.
Commissioner Discretionary Funds Allocated
Chairman Smith requested that his remaining $2,300 in discretionary funds be allocated to the Pleasant Home football team.
Commissioner Weaver made the motion, Commissioner McGaha seconded, and all commissioners voted in favor.
Commissioner McGaha then requested that $1,500 of his discretionary funds be allocated to Red Level Athletics and $800 to the Straughn Bass Team.
Commissioner Holmes made the motion, Commissioner Weaver seconded, and all commissioners voted in favor.
Special Called Meeting Announced
The Commission announced a Special Called Meeting for Monday, September 28, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in the Commission Chambers.
With no additional business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned.
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