This original article has been updated with a response from Autauga County Commission Attorney Kyle Shirley.
It reads, “It is unfortunate that the Sheriff has taken this course of action. The County Commission has been working for over a year to resolve this issue and have made multiple alterations to the plans in order to accommodate the Sheriff’s lack of patience. Unlike the Sheriff, we plan on fighting this battle only in the court of law and not resorting to fighting in the court of public opinion. It is galling that the Sheriff has put more effort into communicating with local press than with the County Commission. Despite the Sheriff’s constant complaining to the press, he has failed to discuss any of these issues with the commission during his regular appearances at County Commission meetings, or at least the meetings he actually attends, instead of sending someone in his place. Our filings in the case will speak our position loudly and clearly and if for some reason an additional comment is needed, we will provide it; however, the facts of this case will clearly show that this suit is filed without merit. Simply put, the County Commission disputes the Sheriff’s claims and we will continue to fight to protect the citizens and taxpayers of Autauga County. Unlike the Sheriff, we will not be bowing to the whims of a Birmingham lawyer looking to victimize the taxpayers of yet another county in our state.”
Original Article
From Sheriff Mark Harrell
Autauga County Sheriff’s Office
For more than a year I have tried to work with the Autauga County Commission to obtain the mold remediation, funding and completion on the Autauga County Metro Jail. I have made numerous requests to the Commission which have either been denied or ignored.
Perhaps most significant, is the fact that the Commission, for whatever reason, has just failed to provide communication on the many issues regarding the jail and the remediation of the jail that has been ongoing since I had to evacuate the Autauga County Metro Jail almost one year ago because of the health and safety concerns as a result of the presence of “black mold” and other issues.
The remediation is still not complete. I have also sought funding to increase the number of APOST certified deputies for Autauga County. That also has not been done. I have consistently sought replacements for vehicles with high mileage that we have no alternative but to continue to try to use.
Our number of deputies is less than surrounding counties with less resources and population than Autauga County, there are other matters which we have diligently sought funding for, and sought communication with the County Commission, for the benefit of the citizens of this county.
I am disappointed to report that most of our requests have either not been responded to, or denied. We have sought to avoid litigation and to achieve meaningful communication on many issues. When all else failed, I have requested that my attorneys prepare litigation to assist in achieving the necessary meaningful communication and other matters set forth in the complaint which I have now filed.
While I will not comment further on this active litigation, all of the matters that need to be addressed are set forth in that complaint. I am deeply saddened that we have had to take this remedy in order to achieve the benefits that the citizens of this county deserve and are entitled to have.
