LaFAYETTE — At their meeting Monday night, the Chambers County Commission got one step closer to concluding a several-month-long saga by unanimously approving the purchase of a new sign to be installed outside of the Lanett Annex.

The 5×8, 5-sided Corian inlaid sign, which has been an agenda item since mid-summer, is expected to be installed by the Highway Department before the end of the year, according to Commissioner Sam Bradford.

“It’s really a first-class sign,” he said. “It is going to be around for a while.”

The commission had initially sent out calls for bid offers in August with the intent to hire a local company to construct it. Ex-commissioner Debbie Wood explained at a September commission meeting that there was an issue with local firms completing the work.

“I spoke with several local companies and asked why they did not bid and they said that, pretty much, they are not set up to build that kind of sign,” she said in September. “They would have to get another company and sub-contract it out, which costs a lot of money up front. They are just not prepared to do that.”

Bradford explained at Monday night’s meeting that because of this, the commission was within their rights to seek out a contractor outside of the county.

The sign is being completed by Performance Signs, a company out of Columbus, Ohio.

Once the work is complete and the sign is transported to Lanett, County Engineer Harvill said the work to install the sign should be completed within a matter of days.

The sign will be lit 24/7 thanks to the county’s partnership with Snyder Electrics and will better identify Chambers County as people drive down Highway 29 from West Point.

“It will improve the appearance of the area,” said Commissioner Charlie Williams. “With it being on 29, it will greatly enhance it.”

In other actions, several updates were presented to the commission by Chambers County officials.

911 Director Donnie Smith brought up two resolutions for the commission to approve relating to Chambers County EMA being awarded Homeland Security grant money. The federal funds totaling $7,000 will be used by Chambers County EMA for conducting exercises and purchasing equipment.

Ted Craig of the Chambers County Lake reported to the commission that, thanks to funds granted by the county, he was able to purchase new tables and grills that will be installed before the lake reopens in February of next year.

“We are happy to do it,” said commission Chairman David Eastridge. “I think [the lake is] an asset to the county like it has been for years.”