Commission Discusses Bethel Church Road

Jasper County Commissioners again heard from Mary Patrick about her concerns about the Hwy. 212 and Bethel Church Road intersection, an item that was on the agenda to be addressed.

Mrs. Patrick gave statistics of accidents at the intersection and suggested “instead of making excuses it’d be best to do something.” The data on wrecks shows a substantial increase in the last two years. “Obviously traffic there has increased,” she said.

When the commissioners discussed it, Sheriff Donnie Pope said he thought one change was that so many people use GPS now, and GPS takes people down Bethel Church Road. In discussing the speed limit, he said that his officers can’t use radar to enforce a lower speed limit without the state’s blessing, but that the signage can be changed and they can enforce it other ways.

Commissioners also agreed to put signs up saying cross traffic does not stop to hopefully prevent drivers from thinking it is a four-way stop.

Commissioners and the sheriff agreed to petition the state about making the intersection a four-way stop, but indicated that takes time. They will ask local legislators for their help in expediting the study, and perhaps making the intersection safer.

In other action at Monday’s regular meeting, commissioners agreed to let Comcast come in and do a study to change the phone system. The changes would allow more flexibility at a much reduced rate, according to County Manager Karen Degges.

The commission had to approve a fee for the company to come in. There had been much discussion about entering into an open ended contract. The change is encouraged by the county’s internet host Selective Solutions. A member of the public voiced concern that perhaps Selective Solutions was in cahoots with Comcast.

The county manager assured commissioners it could save the county thousands annually, and encouraged the move. Commissioners approved moving forward.

Commissioners also agreed to purchase a generator for the health department. Lisa Kersey, who oversees the health department, said they have $20,000 worth of vaccines which must be kept refrigerated, and they only have a two-hour window to keep them cool. The health department has moved their stock to Jasper Memorial Hospital in the past when the power went out, but it really doesn’t have room to accommodate them.

County commissioners also discussed several road issues, including the fact that the plate dirt currently being used gets slippery in the rain. It was suggested to mix gravel in with it when the rains come.

Ms. Degges also told commissioners about a spay/neuter clinic at Animal Control.