Following the county commission meeting Tues., Commissioner Chairman Stan Batemon spoke of future plans for the old hospital building and the old DHR building.  

Now that St. Vincent’s St. Clair Hospital is fully operational, the County Commission is trying to determine the best possible use for the hospital structure.  Commission Chairman Batemon suggested to the commission that the county look into using a commercial firm to represent them to find businesses to use the first floor of the old hospital.

“I would like to see both private and public entities make use of the space available,” Chairman Batemon said.

The old hospital structure becomes county property after Jan. 31.  A crew is currently in the building cleaning the space.

Batemon also talked about plans regarding use of the old DHR building.  Current plans include the possibility of using some of the space for veterans services. In recent months the county has looked in to expanding services and resources available for veterans since St. Clair County has a population of more than 7,000 residing veterans and military families.  Using the old DHR building in this capacity would provide a centralized physical location for veterans to go when seeking out services.

In other actions:

—The commission approved a request by County Engineer Dan Dahlke, making an amendment to the budget to transfer $37,408.24 from the General Fund to 117 #19 Gasoline Tax Fund.  This is to refund for Public Works Bid #19, curb and gutter work on Veteran’s Parkway.

— Another request made by Dahlke to amend the budget in the amount of $118,045.18 from the 111 Gasoline Tax Fund Balance for work on A. E. Moore Drive was approved.

— A change order of $1,500 for the Ragland Tennis Court repair was approved to cover the cost of a second layer of acrylic resurfacing.  The expense covered the cost of materials.

—The request of the Shoal Creek Valley Volunteer Fire Department for payment of $5,000 in funds presented to them by Rep. Blane Galliher was approved.

— County Administrator Kellie Long appointed Tina Morgan to fill the vacant position for Advanced Clerk position, effective Jan. 9.

—The Commission rescheduled their Feb. 9 work session for Feb. 14 at 8:30 a.m., prior to the Commission meeting at 9 a.m. in Ashville.