Contractors say jail is still nearly 2 months behind schedule
By DANIEL TAYLOR, Correspondent
GUNTERSVILLE — Charles Whisenant was officially sworn in last Wednesday as the new county commissioner for District 1.
He was joined by his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter for the swearing-in ceremony, administered by Judge Mitch Floyd before the work session and regular meeting began.
Whisenant won the Republican primary in May, but his term wouldn’t officially begin until after the general election in November. However, Gov. Kay Ivey appointed him to immediately fill the role to serve out the remaining term of the late Ronny Shumate, who died last December.
Though honored to be elected, Whisenant said taking over District 1 for his friend was bittersweet. He thanked county staff for their warm welcome and gave a somber yet humorous tribute to Shumate.
“The District 1 employees have been fantastic to me,” Whisenant said. “They did not and do not want a new commissioner. I don’t blame them. They had one of the best ever, and I don’t mean [Bill] Strickland either.”
Whisenant thanked his friends and family for their support and for attending his swearing-in, while also grieving the loss of his wife, Amanda Whisenant, who died in September 2024, and his friend, Shumate.
“I’d give all I have and more if my bride could be here with me,” he said. “… I’d pay real money if I didn’t have to be here today, if the man who is supposed to be sitting in this chair was sitting in this chair.
“I absolutely miss him every day.”
The meeting that followed was short, with only five items on the agenda:
Heard an update from Martin & Cobey Construction on the new jail addition, which is still 57 days behind schedule.
Announced a public hearing on the petition to vacate Crabtree Road, located in District 2, scheduled on July 22 at 9 a.m.
Approved insolvents, errors and taxes in litigation for 2025 for the Revenue Commission Office.
Approved a resolution appointing temporary members for the Marshall County Board of Equalization: Robert Michael Hunt, Elizabeth Millard and Michael Clay.
Nominated District 2 Commissioner Rick Watson to the Alabama Association of County Commissioners Legislative Committee for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Commissioner Charles Whisenant is the publisher of The Arab Tribune. Photo by DANIEL TAYLOR l For The Leader
