HB436 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Elaine Beech
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Choctaw Co., county commission, compensation, operation and supervision of county roads and bridges, employment of county engineer, referendum, Act 88-402, 1988 Reg. Sess.; Sec. 45-12-70 repealed
Summary: HB436 would switch Choctaw County's county commissioners to part-time status with a salary, create a centralized road system overseen by a county engineer, and require a public referendum to authorize these changes.
What This Bill Does
Starting with the 2014 term, each county commissioner (except the chair, who is the Judge of Probate) would serve part-time and receive $20,000 per year with limited benefits. The county would establish a central shop and a centralized road system to manage roads and bridges, and hire a county engineer to run maintenance, construction, and related budgeting. The engineer's spending authority is limited to road/bridge work approved by the commission, and the salary is paid from the gasoline tax fund; the bill also repeals conflicting laws and requires an election to approve the changes before they take full effect.

Who It Affects
Choctaw County commissioners, who would become part-time workers earning a $20,000 annual salary and have limited benefits.
Choctaw County residents and road users, who would experience a centralized road system and centralized management of roads and bridges, with budgeting and maintenance overseen by a county engineer.

Key Provisions
Section 2: Beginning with the next term (Nov 2014), each county commissioner (except the chair) serves part-time and earns $20,000 annually; no other expense allowances; may participate in health insurance only if they pay all costs.
Section 3: Creation of a centrally located county shop and centralized road system; a second shop may be added if the county engineer recommends it; annual work plan and budget prepared by the county engineer; commission votes on needs and issues affecting the county.
Section 5: The county engineer is employed to maintain and construct roads, bridges, and the county shop; duties include supervising staff, performing engineering/surveying, maintaining maps/records, and managing requisitions; salary set by the commission and paid from the gasoline tax fund; engineer must post a surety bond and keep inventory records.
Section 6: Each commissioner must inspect roads in their district, listen to public input, and report recommendations; commissioners may use a county vehicle.
Section 7: Repeals conflicting laws (Act 88-402); Sections 2-7 require approval via referendum (Section 8) and become operative only if voters approve; election to be held as specified, with results certified to the Secretary of State.
Section 9: Effective date and applicability; sections become operative according to the referendum outcome and fiscal year timing (October 1).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Choctaw County