Chairman Long says Morgan County Growing Despite Pandemic
On February 23, Chairman Ray Long provided an update and a look ahead during our annual State of Morgan County Address at the DoubleTree by Hilton-Decatur Riverside. More than 150 business and community leaders attended the event where Chairman Long shared the accomplishments of the Commission and his directors over the past 12 months to improve the quality of life for residents across Morgan County.
"Morgan County had a great year in 2021. COVID-19 was still rampant but that didn't stop the progress in the county. We started construction on four buildings and completed a warehouse at our environmental site in Hartselle so we could combine recycling and environmental departments on one property," said Long.
Chairman Long spoke about the recent growth in the county and how new facilities are being built for two tag offices.
"We started construction on a license and revenue office in Cotaco that will soon be ready for opening. For years, these offices have been run out of the District 4 shop with people standing outside in the weather to purchase tags and conduct other county business. That building is almost complete and should be open by April," said Long.
Another facility in Hartselle will open soon. It will house license and revenue offices, the Commission on Aging and Parks and Recreation departments. The commission purchased around 4 acres to build a new facility for the Morgan County Rescue Squad and nearly 23 acres in Cotaco where they plan to build a gymnasium. Chairman Long also discussed his plans to build a public storm shelter so residents would not have to use the basement at the Morgan County Courthouse.
Long thanked Chamber President and CEO Crystal Brown for hosting the event. "She's doing a great job leading the Chamber and we're expecting big things to happen under her leadership," said Long.
Silver sponsors for the event included Goodwyn Mills and Cawood, Harris Caddell & Shanks, PC and the Town of Trinity. The Chamber is thankful for our relationship with the Morgan County Commission and look forward to our work together in the future.