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Commission eyes option to deal with bats in courthouse
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CopyIn its regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 10, the Macon County Commission approved an emergency measure to address a courthouse bat problem that has existed for years.
The Commission unanimously approved a low bid of $23,300 to clean up and eliminate an issue with bats in the clock tower area of the Macon County Courthouse. Two other bids were for $35,000 and $54,000.
Board of Registrars members Bob Pearson, Patricia Clay and Carolyn Kilpatrick brought the potential health risk to the attention of the Commission. The board's office was recently relocated from downstairs to upstairs in the courthouse to make room for an office for the sheriff.
Pearson contacted state health agencies about the bat problem.
Commissioners Miles Robinson, Mike Berry and Coach Huffman voted to commit the money for the project. Commissioner Drew Thompson was absent.
Discussion centered on whether to shut down areas of the courthouse impacted to contracting with someone to eliminate the problem.
A called meeting of the Commission will be held Friday, Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. at the Commission Chambers to discuss the issue with state health department representatives.
Berry said the purpose of that meeting is to determine if the proposal to clean the area and eliminate the problem by sealing off how the bats have made entry will be adequate — and to determine if the bat problem is a health issue to employees and visitors to the courthouse.
In other business:
The Commission approved giving permission to apply for a $30,000 grant from ADEM to improve a walking trail off Highway 199. The county's obligation/match would be $6,000 for in-kind service.
Frank Dillman contributed to this story.
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