Title 20. Covington County, Local Provisions, Alabama Constitution

Alabama Constitution
Preamble
Articles
I • II • III • IV • V • VI • VII • VIII • IX • X • XI •XII •XIII •XIV • XV • XVI • XVII • XVIII
Local Provisions

Chapter 1

“ Chapter 1. Miscellaneous Provisions RESERVED ”

Chapter 2

“ Chapter 2. Courts RESERVED ”

Chapter 3

“ Chapter 3. County Government, Finance, and Operations RESERVED ”

Chapter 4

“ Chapter 4. Economic and Industrial Development Article 1. Economic Development §20-4.00. Covington County and Municipalities Therein. (Amendment 725) For the promotion of local economic and industrial development of Covington County, the Covington County Commission, and the city councils of each municipality located in the county having a population of over 1,500 based on the 2000 decennial census, shall have, independently or in cooperation with one or more of such governmental entities, full and continuing power to do any of the following: (1) Purchase, construct, develop, equip, operate, lease, or otherwise acquire real property, plants, buildings, factories, works, facilities, machinery, and equipment of any kind. (2) Lease, sell for cash, or on credit, exchange, give, and convey any such property described in subdivision (1), to any person, firm, association, corporation or entity, public, or private, including, but not limited to, a duly authorized industrial development board or economic development commission or airport authority serving the county or any such municipalities. (3) Promote local industrial, commercial, or agricultural development and the location of new industries or business therein. (4) Become a stockholder or equity owner in any corporation, association, company, or entity. (5) Lend its credit or grant public moneys and things of value in aid of any individual, firm, association, corporation, or entity whatsoever. (6) Become indebted and issue and sell bonds, warrants, which may be payable from funds to be realized in future years, notes or other obligations, or evidences of indebtedness, to a principal amount not exceeding 50 percent of the assessed value of taxable property therein as determined for state taxation, in order to secure funds for the purchase, construction, lease, or acquisition of any of the property described in subdivision (1) or to be used in furtherance of any of the other powers or authorities granted in this amendment. Such obligations or evidences of indebtedness may be issued upon the full faith and credit of the county or any such municipality or may be limited as to the source of their payment. (7) Create a public board, agency, authority, commission, corporation, or other entity having such powers, managed and governed by such board or governing body and subject to such limitations as the governing body of the county or any such municipality may impose, by approving and filing a certificate to that effect in the office of the judge of probate or the Secretary of State, or their respective successors in function, and delegate to such public board, agency, authority, commission, corporation, or other entity and its board or governing body all powers and authority conferred in this amendment upon the county or any such municipality. In carrying out the purposes of this amendment, neither Covington County nor the municipalities shall be subject to Sections 93 or 94 of this Constitution. Each public corporation heretofore created by Covington County or by the municipalities, including specifically any industrial development board or authority, any economic development commission or authority, or any airport authority is validated and the powers granted to such board, commission, or authority under its respective enabling legislation are validated notwithstanding any other provision of law or of this Constitution. The powers granted in this amendment may be exercised as an alternative to, or cumulative with, and in no way restrictive of, powers otherwise granted by law to the county, or to any such municipality, or to any agency, board, corporation, commission, or authority created pursuant to the laws of this state. Neither Covington County nor the municipalities shall lend its credit to or grant any public funds or thing of value to or in aid of any private entity under the authority of this amendment unless prior thereto: (i) the action proposed to be taken by Covington County or any such municipality is approved at a public meeting of the governing body of the county or municipality, as the case may be, by a resolution containing a determination by such governing body that the expenditure of public funds for such purpose will serve a valid and sufficient public purpose, notwithstanding any incidental benefit accruing to any private entity or entities; and (ii) at least seven days prior to the public meeting, a notice is published in the newspaper having the largest circulation in the county or in any such municipality, as the case may be, describing in reasonable detail the action proposed to be taken, a description of the public benefits sought to be achieved by such action, and identifying each individual, firm, corporation, or other business entity to whom or for whose benefit the county or the municipality proposes to lend its credit or grant public funds or thing of value. For purposes of the foregoing, any sale, lease, or other disposition of property for a price equal to the fair market value thereof shall not constitute the lending of credit or a granting of public funds or thing of value in aid of a private entity. The recital in any bonds, warrants, notes, or other obligations or evidences or indebtedness that they were issued pursuant to this amendment or that they were issued to provide funds to be used in furtherance of any power or authority herein authorized shall be conclusive, and no purchaser or holder thereof need inquire further. The bonds, warrants, notes, or other obligations or evidences or indebtedness issued hereunder shall not be considered an indebtedness of the county or any such municipality for the purpose of determining the borrowing capacity of the county or any such municipality under Section 224 or Section 225 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901. This amendment shall be self-executing, but notwithstanding any contrary provisions of Section 104 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, the Legislature may by general, special, or local act adopt laws supplemental to this amendment or in furtherance of the purposes and objectives hereinabove set forth. No such special or local act shall be subject to the provisions of Section 106 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901. (Amendment 725) ”

Chapter 5

“ Chapter 5. Education RESERVED ”

Chapter 6

“ Chapter 6. Health and Environment RESEREVD ”

Chapter 7

“ Chapter 7. Gaming Article 1. Bingo §20-7.00. Operation of Bingo by Nonprofits. (Amendment 565) (a) The operation of bingo games for prizes or money by certain nonprofit organizations and certain private clubs for charitable, educational, or other lawful purposes shall be legal in Covington County, subject to any resolution or ordinance by the county commission as provided by law regulating the operation of bingo. The county commission may promulgate rules and regulations for issuing permits or licenses and for operating bingo games within the county. The county commission shall insure compliance pursuant to any ordinance and the following: (1) No person under the age of 19 shall be permitted to play any game or games of bingo, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. No person under the age of 19 shall be permitted to conduct or assist in the conduct of any game of bingo. (2) Except for special permit holders, no bingo permit or license shall be issued to any nonprofit organization, unless the organization has been in existence for at least five years and has owned real property in the county for five years immediately prior to the issuance of the permit or license. (3) Bingo games shall be operated only on the premises owned or leased by the nonprofit organization or club operating the bingo game. If the premises are leased, the rate of rental shall not be based on a percentage of receipts or profits resulting from operating the bingo games. (4) No nonprofit organization or club shall enter into any contract with any individual, firm, association, or corporation to have the individual or entity operate bingo games or concessions on behalf of the nonprofit organization. A nonprofit organization may not pay consulting fees or any compensation or salary to any individual or entity for any services performed relating to operating or conducting any bingo game. (5) A nonprofit organization may not lend its name or allow any other person or entity to use its identity in operating or advertising a bingo game in which the nonprofit organization is not directly and solely operating the bingo game or concessions. (6) One hundred percent of the net revenues derived from operating bingo games shall be designated and expended for charitable or educational purposes. (7) No person or organization, by whatever name or composition, shall take any expenses for operating a bingo game except as permitted by law. (b) The Legislature may, by local legislation, provide for the implementation of this amendment, including, but not limited to, the imposition of criminal penalties for violations of this amendment or the local legislation. (Amendment 565) ”

Chapter 8

“ Chapter 8. Officials and Employees Article 1. Compensation §20-8.00. Certain Public Officials. (Amendment 479) The legislature may hereafter, from time to time, by general, special or local laws, fix, regulate and alter the fees, commissions, allowances or salaries to be charged or received by the judge of probate and other county officers of Covington county, and may put such officers on a salary basis and provide for the operation of their offices on such basis. (Amendment 479) Article 2. Retirement §20-8.20. Phase-out of Supernumerary Program; Participation in RSA. (Amendment 636) No person elected or appointed Sheriff of Covington County, or any elected or appointed Covington County official, may assume a supernumerary office after the effective date of this amendment. Any person who, on the effective date of this amendment, is entitled to participate in a supernumerary program may continue to participate in that supernumerary program, which shall include the assumption of a supernumerary office according to the terms and conditions of the law which established that supernumerary program. Every sheriff and other elected or appointed Covington County official may participate in the Employees' Retirement System of Alabama upon the same terms and conditions as may be specified by law for any other employee in the same retirement system. Covington County officials holding office at the time of the ratification of this amendment shall be eligible to purchase service credit in the Employees' Retirement System for the time the official has served in the current office; provided, however, the official shall forego the assumption of a supernumerary office. For the purposes of this amendment, the words "elected or appointed county official" shall include any person appointed to serve the remaining term of an elected or appointed county official, but shall not include a judge, district attorney, legislator, school board member, or any official elected from a judicial circuit. All costs associated with the purchase of prior service credit as prescribed in Section 36-27-6.1, Code of Alabama 1975, shall be the responsibility of the official making the purchase. (Amendment 636) ”

Chapter 9

“ Chapter 9. Public Safety RESERVED ”

Chapter 10

“ Chapter 10. Taxation Article 1. Miscellaneous Provisions RESERVED Article 2. Schools §20-10.20. Special School Taxes in Districts 1 and 2. (Amendment 292) 1. The governing body of Covington county shall have power to levy and collect annually a special school district tax not exceeding fifty cents on each one hundred dollars' worth of taxable property in school districts number 1 and 2, Covington county as assessed for state taxation, for public school purposes, provided the rate of such tax, the time it is to continue and the purpose thereof shall have been first submitted to a vote of the qualified electors of the districts and voted for by a majority of those voting at such election. Such tax shall be in addition to all other taxes provided for by law. The funds arising from such special district tax levied and collected by the county shall be expended for the exclusive benefit of the public schools in said districts. Election under this amendment shall be called, held, and conducted in relation to the levying of special school district taxes under Sections 269.01 through 269.03. 2. If a majority of the qualified electors of school districts number 1 and 2, Covington county, who participate in the election on the adoption, then the approval of the amendment as expressed by such vote shall of itself authorize the levying of the special tax provided for herein at the maximum rate specified for a period not exceeding twenty years. (Amendment 292) ”

Chapter 11

“ Chapter 11. Zoning, Planning, and Utilities Article 1. Fire Protection §20-11.00. Fire Protection Purposes. (Amendment 564) (a) The Legislature hereby declares that the fire departments and rescue squads that receive funds pursuant to this amendment are organizations which are public in nature, as they promote and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the county. (b) The County Commission of Covington County shall levy and collect a special property tax, in addition to all other taxes now or hereafter provided by law, of three mills on each one dollar's worth of taxable property as assessed for the state ad valorem taxation during the preceding year. The proceeds of the additional taxes levied by this amendment shall be used exclusively for fire, emergency medical, and rescue services. (c) The Revenue Commissioner of Covington County shall assess the tax herein provided for, and shall collect the fire tax in the same manner and method that other ad valorem taxes are collected. The proceeds of the tax shall be paid into a special county fund. Within thirty days of payment into the special fund, the county commission shall allocate the funds among the eligible fire departments and rescue squads. The funds shall be divided equally among the eligible fire departments and rescue squads. (d) An eligible fire department, for purposes of this amendment, means a fire department in Covington County that maintains an ISO-approved rating of at least Class 9, is certified under the Alabama Forestry Commission guidelines, and is a member in good standing of the Covington County Firefighters Association. An eligible rescue squad, for purposes of this amendment, means a rescue squad that is certified by the Alabama Association of Rescue Squads or Emergency Medical Services. (e) Funds paid to eligible fire departments and rescue squads shall only be expended for fire protection and emergency medical and rescue services including training, supplies, and equipment. The funds may also be expended to purchase liability insurance to insure coverage of acts or omissions which are directly related to the functions of a fire department or rescue squad which are committed by a fire department or rescue squad or the personnel of a fire department or rescue squad. The funds may not be expended for food, drink, social activities or fund-raising activities. After receiving funds, the fire departments and rescue squads shall keep accurate records to verify that the funds were properly expended. By September 15 of each year, the fire departments and rescue squads shall file a financial statement with the Covington County Commission detailing the expenditure of all funds received from this amendment during the previous twelve months. The filing shall also account for all unspent funds and whether the unspent funds have been obligated. The Covington County Firefighters Association shall supply the accounting forms to each eligible fire department and rescue squad. No new fire departments shall be funded within Covington County without prior approval of the Covington County Firefighters Association and the Covington County Commission and without first being certified according to Alabama Forestry Commission guidelines. New departments shall attain an ISO Class 9 rating within two years of receiving fire tax funds to remain eligible. No new rescue squads shall be funded within Covington County without prior approval of the Covington County Commission. (f) Upon dissolution or abandonment of any eligible fire department or rescue squad, any remaining funds derived from this amendment or any assets purchased with funds derived from this amendment shall, after all indebtedness has been satisfied, be transferred to the county commission. The funds and assets shall be reallocated by the county commission equally to the other fire departments and rescue squads. In the event there are no fire departments or rescue squads, the funds or assets shall be placed in the county general fund. (g) The personnel of fire departments and rescue squads provided for in this amendment shall not be considered employees, servants or agents of the county and the members of the county commission and the employees of the county shall not be liable in either their official capacity or in a private capacity for the actions of the personnel of fire departments or rescue squads. (h) Act No. 93-317, H. 825, 1993 Regular Session, is repealed. (i) This amendment shall not become effective unless approved at a referendum by a majority of the qualified electors of Covington County voting on the proposition. The referendum shall be held at the same time as the election for the ratification of this amendment, as provided for in Section 2 of this act, and no further election shall be required. (Amendment 564) ”

See also

• State constitution
• Constitutional article
• Constitutional amendment
• Constitutional revision
• Constitutional convention
• Amendments
  • Initiated constitutional amendment
  • Legislatively-referred constitutional amendment
  • Publication requirements for proposed state constitutional amendments
  • Rules about constitutional conventions in state constitutions
  • State constitutional articles governing state legislatures

External links

Suggest a link

• Text of the Constitution
• An Overview of Alabama's Six Constitutions
• Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform

Additional reading

• Connor, George E. Connor, and Christopher W. Hammons (2008). The Constitutionalism of American States. Columbia, Missouri: University of Missouri Press.
• McMillan, Malcolm Cook (1955). Constitutional Development in Alabama, 1798-1901: A Study in Politics, the Negro, and Sectionalism. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: University of North Carolina Press.