Commission approves Jim Johnson to the health care authority
The Escambia County (Ala.) Commission approved the 2021 ad valorem tax rate with no increases in the rate for the current year.
The board voted unanimously Monday to adopt the current tax rate.
The commission also voted to extend the federal COVID-19 leave plan that expired on Dec. 2020.
County Clerk-Administrator Tony Sanks told commissioners that the paid leave provided by Congress last year had expired. Under the act, employees who either had the coronavirus or who had to be quarantined due to social tracking could receive up to 10 days of paid leave.
Sanks noted it was a one-time 10-day leave for employees and if an employee missed more days he or she would have to use sick leave or vacation time to be paid.
The commission voted to extend the 10-day paid COVID leave for employees until March 31.
Commissioner Steve Dickey said he feels President Biden is going to reach out and extend the leave act. He also said he feels the new federal leave act would be retroactive to January.
In other business Monday, the commission:
- Unanimously voted to approve Flomaton resident Jim Johnson to the Escambia County Health Care Authority to fill the vacancy created by the death of Ruth Harrell.
Commissioner Scottie Stewart, who represents the district where Harrell and Johnson live, said he spoke with Chris Griffin, executive secretary of the health care authority and was told that the board had recommended Johnson to fill the seat.
Stewart also said he talked with Johnson and he was eager to serve on the board.
“He will be a good representative on the authority,” Stewart said prior to making the motion to name Johnson to the position.
During Monday afternoon's Flomaton Town Council meeting, Councilman Johnson told the council he was honored to represent the Flomaton area on the health care authority. Johnson had previously served on an advisory committee that studied ambulance service in the county, which resulted in Flomaton receiving a full time ambulance.
“I can't replace Ruth Harrell,” Johnson said. “But I'll do my best to represent the Flomaton area and the county as a whole.”
- Approved a fiscal year 2021 certifications and assurances agreement required to receive Federal Transit Administration funds for the operation of the Escambia County Alabama Transit System (ECATS).
Sanks told commissioners it was an annual vote by the board that adopts federal transit policies for the operation of ECATS. He said without the agreement, the county would not receive federal funds.
