Procedure For Authorization To Close County Courthouse
DATE ADOPTED: 11-27-17
MINUTE BOOK: 41 PAGE -10
POLICY: To establish a procedure for closing the County Courthouse in emergency situations.
PROCEDURE: WHEREAS, ALA. CODE § 11-1-8 states in pertinent part, “The county commission of any county in the State of Alabama may by resolution close the offices in the county courthouse or other county buildings on legal holidays set pursuant to Section 1-3-8, or for special circumstances deemed necessary or appropriate. Notice of the closing shall be posted at the courthouse and shall be published otherwise in the manner as the county commission may direct.”
WHEREAS, ALA. CODE § 31-9-10(b)(6) states in pertinent part, " The governing body of each political subdivision shall have the power and authority . . . (6) To close, notwithstanding Section 11-1-8, any and all public buildings owned or leased by and under the control of the political subdivision where emergency conditions warrant, whether or not a local state of emergency has been declared by the governing body of the political subdivision."
WHEREAS, from time-to-time, weather conditions require that the County Courthouse, public buildings owned or leased by and under the control of the Houston County Commission, and other county buildings be closed for non-essential services; and,
WHEREAS, it may be necessary to close the County Courthouse complex, public buildings owned or leased by and under the control of the Houston County Commission, and other county buildings when the health and safety of citizens and employees are in danger;
WHEREAS, the Houston County Commission deems it in the county’s best interest for the Chairman of the County Commission to be able to close the County Courthouse, public buildings owned or leased by and under the control of the Houston County Commission, and other county buildings when emergency conditions warrant or for special circumstances deemed necessary or appropriate; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by this Resolution that the Houston County Commission authorizes the Chairman of the County Commission to determine when the Houston County Courthouse Complex, the Probate and Revenue Commission satellite buildings, public buildings owned or leased by and under the control of the Houston County Commission, and other county buildings are to be closed for an emergency or for special circumstances deemed necessary or appropriate. The Chairman shall attempt to notify and communicate with all commissioners of the Houston County Commission prior to making a determination to close such county buildings for an emergency or for special circumstances deemed necessary or appropriate.