| The Calhoun Commission agreed to become responsible for auditing of the county's Office of Emergency Service funds at Monday's meeting.
With a small amount of carry-over, the commission granted two requests for funds, $1,500 for Wayne Underwood Field for paint and materials to be used by summer youth program workers.
The commission also approved $5,000 to the Calhoun County Park for the payment of utilities.
Sheriff Allen Parsons advised the commission he had hired former law enforcement officer Charles E. McCroskey as a new deputy sheriff to be placed at Calhoun Middle-High School as a Prevention Resource Officer.
McCroskey would be paid $11 an hour, with benefits.
Commissioners did not approve Parson's request because the county has yet to receive the grant, expressing concern about not having funds to pay for the position.
After the Calhoun school system did not submit the grant for the school officer, the commission submitted the application originated by Shari Johnson at deadline time.
Commissioners, facing a tight budget, wanted to be assured how the county will be paid the grant money for the hire, with the grantee indicating it will be re-newed annually for five years.
The Division of Criminal Justice sent a memo to the commission, saying The grant award has not been announced or approved, but indicated "projected funding," of $40,972 is pending.
The memo said the commission should be "reminded these are only recommendations and this is not an official award."
Sheriff Parsons indicated he had to make the hire now because McCroskey is required to attend a training program currently being conducted for the in-school assignment.
The commission was told McCroskey, a prior law officer, would have seniority over at least two other deputies recently hired by the sheriff.
Sheriffs and elected officials have the constitutional authority to hire individuals of their choice, although county commissions approve the hires.
The commission reviewed the the Budget Control Report and conducted other routine business.
The next commission meeting is scheduled for August 17 at 9 a.m.
| 
