Cleburne County Engineer Shannon Robbins told commissioners this week during a work session that the county will be getting about $200,000 less for roads during the upcoming fiscal year because the federal government has not enacted new transportation funding legislation.

Alabama Department of Transportation State County Transportation Engineer Ed Phillips Jr. sent a recent memo to all county engineers notifying them of FY 2010 Federal Aid funds to each county in the amount of $339,000.

The memo noted, "This figure is less than the amount provided in previous years due to a reduction in apportionment being provided to the states. The Federal Government has not enacted new transportation funding legislation, but passed a one month extension of the previous legislation."

The memo further stated, "The State of Alabama has only received 1/12 of its annual apportionment for FY 2010, based on FY 2009 levels ... the amount of apportionment we have received for the month of October is about 36% less than our normal amount."

State officials hope they can restore full funding when and if the federal government releases additional money but also point out, "that we are currently in a transportation funding crisis nationally."

In other matters, James Bland appeared before the commission seeking help in his area where sinkholes are appearing in his and neighbor's driveways following recent installation of water pipes by the Cleburne County Water Board. "They've (contractors) got to fix the damage if they've caused it," said Cleburne County Commissioner Rex Nolen.

Cleburne County Coroner Rudy Rooks also sought the commission's clarification and assistance in paying for the help of a chief deputy coroner.

Rooks said the Ben McKnight has been his chief deputy for seven years and has received no pay. Rooks said he didn't think it was fair that someone served on standby when he is out of the county and not get paid. Recently the county approved a line item in the budget allowing $1,200 for the coroner.

Commissioner Nolen said he remembered discussions on the matter and he recalled a coroner's assistant being paid something if called but had no recollection of a "retaining fee"

"I'd like to be fair to him. It is not fair to make him sit there and not get paid," Rooks added.

Cleburne County Manager Steve Swafford said there are certain federal personnel laws which must be abided by when an individual is an "employee." He said that since McKnight is not an employee, any money given to him or any of the other assistants is not compensation but a stipend — a cost reimbursement to help them with expenses they might have.

Swafford said that his understanding of the stipend situation at this time is that $50 goes to whoever fills in for Rooks on an actual call.

Rooks said he would like to see legislation passed on the state level which would enable commissions to set the salaries of coroners and provide retirement benefits and insurance.

"I am satisfied with what I make. I get a vehicle plus expenses but the coroner is totally outside the loop. We don't get anything that other county employees and officials get," added Rooks.

The Breeds, from Hollis, visited the worksession and Cleburne County Commission Ex-Officio Chairman Ryan Robertson promised them, "There will be no resolutions on alcohol this month."