On the agenda: Talladega County Minutes — data center (Sep 14)

TALLADEGA COUNTY COMMISSION
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
September 14, 2026
STATE OF ALABAMA
COUNTY OF
TALLADEGA

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The Talladega County Commission assembled at the Talladega County Courthouse
in the Commission Courtroom, 1 Court Square, 2nd Floor, Talladega, AL, for the first
meeting of the month, held on Monday, September 14, 2026. The proceedings
conducted are as follows:
COMMISSION MEETING CALLED
TO ORDER
Chairman Malley Limbaugh called the meeting to order at 5:38 p.m. The roll was
called with the following Commissioners being present:
District 1 Commissioner Darrell Ingram
District 2 Commissioner Tony A. Haynes
District 3 Commissioner Kelvin Cunningham
District 4 Commissioner Malley Limbaugh, Chairman
District 5 Commissioner Phillip Morris
A quorum was present. Commissioner Limbaugh gave the invocation and
Commissioner Morris led the Pledge of Allegiance. The media was
represented by The Daily Home.
Work Session begin at 5:06 p.m.
Before any discussions, Chairman Limbaugh read statement, “The
Talladega County Commission has absolutely no power to tell the County
residents to whom they can sell their land or homes to. We only have
power to grant or not grant a tax abatement to a business. Thank you.”
Commissioner Ingram stated that he wants to make it clear to the public and the
media that, in his district, he does not support the placement of the data center in
the Curry Station and Quick Farm area. He noted that he is not opposed to data
centers in general, as he continues to learn more about them, but he is opposed to
the proposed location.
Commissioner Haynes stated that, as a farmer who previously received government
funding for planting pine trees, he believes that this land should continue to be used
for that purpose. He agreed with Commissioner Ingram, noting that he is not opposed

to data centers generally—acknowledging that he is still learning about them—but he
disagrees with the proposed location. He also concurred with Chairman Limbaugh’s
statement that the Commission does not have the authority to stop such a project,
only the authority to approve or deny a tax abatement if one is submitted. He added
that he does not believe an abatement will be submitted, but if it is, he feels the
Commission would not approve it.
Citizen Joseph Manning stated that, based on his research, data centers will only
proceed with construction if a tax abatement is approved, as their business model
depends on securing incentives from rural counties. He commented that if the
Commissioners do not grant the abatement, the project would not move forward and
the company would likely relocate to a more cooperative area. Commissioner Haynes
responded that the project will not be built if it is dependent on tax abatement, and
Commissioner Ingram requested that it be noted for the record that he will not vote
to approve one.
Chairman Limbaugh stated that he has studied data centers for two years and that
Virginia has granted tax abatements, which is why numerous data centers are located
there. He added that he does not know whether this applies to other areas the
company is considering, as his research has not confirmed that information.
Commissioner Cunningham stated for the record that no tax abatement has been
submitted to the Commission by this company at this time.
DISCUSSION ITEMS

A. During the Work Session, Richard Rybka with Coosa Riverkeeper requested
funding to support ongoing work in Talladega County. He explained that their
organization has already conducted several initiatives, including water testing
for the Swim Guide public health service, which informs the public of E. coli
levels at locations such as Choccolocco Creek, Cheaha Creek, and Lincoln
Landing. He also noted a recent partnership with Legacy Environmental at
Munford Middle School, where they provided an educational program to
approximately 60 students to promote conservation, clean water awareness,
and water quality education.
Richard stated that the funding request would primarily support three areas:
water quality efforts, community involvement, and educational initiatives. He
encouraged anyone interested in additional project ideas to contact him
directly to discuss the possibility of adding them to their current list of
services. He offered to take commissioners on a boat tour to demonstrate the
types of conditions Coosa Riverkeeper monitors.
He recommended that the Commission review the projects listed in the
provided handout and consider partnering with Coosa Riverkeeper through

funding support. He explained that sponsorship would promote Talladega
County, provide positive visibility through credited work and photos, and help
strengthen conservation efforts within the community. If none of the listed
projects align with the Commission’s interests, he asked that they consider a
general donation to support work within the county. However, if the
Commission has specific ideas they would like to pursue, he encouraged them
to contact him to discuss those further.
B. During the Work Session, Rodney Suggs with Integrity Cabinets, LLC stated that
he is interested in purchasing the assets of Legacy Cabinets and restoring the
company to its former success. He requested a tax abatement related to the
purchase. Mr. Suggs explained that he was one of the founders of Legacy
Cabinets in 1994 and retired after 25 years with the company. Four years ago,
he purchased Integrity Cabinets, LLC, and has now been in the cabinet industry
for 55 years.
He noted that he currently has limited capacity in Clay County and plans to
shift approximately 2,000 cabinets into the Talladega County facility. The
projected growth in Clay County would be redirected to Talladega County, and
he is confident that the company can return to 300 employees within five
years. He also stated that the company operates its own trucking division,
which provides higher-paying jobs, and emphasized that he has a fantastic
team.
Angela Gamel with Integrity Cabinets, LLC, who has worked with Mr. Suggs for
roughly 30 years, stated that 15 employees were hired on the same day
Legacy Cabinets closed, followed by 50 more within a month. The plan is to
move those 50 employees back to the Talladega facility and reach 150
employees within a year, contingent on sales, with potential growth to 200
employees. Within two years, they expect continued expansion, with the goal
of returning to roughly 300 employees within five years.
Angela also explained that the company has an abatement for an office
expansion in Clay County; however, that project is on hold so they can focus
on expanding the Talladega County operations, which provide greater
opportunities for growth. She stated that projected sales this year are
approximately $2 million. When Mr. Suggs purchased the company four years
ago, average sales were around $40 million. Sales projections for 2027 are
$150 million, with expectations of reaching $200–$250 million within two
years.
Commissioner Ingram cited statistics showing a total capital investment of $31
million, 200 jobs, education tax revenue of $112,500 for the first year and $1
million over ten years, and a real property tax abatement of approximately
$70,000 annually. Angela confirmed the accuracy of these figures.
Commissioner Ingram asked whether the company would have contracts, and
Mr. Suggs explained that their business model is customer-based: they sell

directly to customers, who then sell to home builders, as the company does
not have the infrastructure to install cabinets.
Commissioner Cunningham asked whether the company anticipates hiring
additional employees beyond the 300 positions previously lost. Both Rodney
and Angela responded yes. Rodney explained that they expect to start with
100 employees, increasing staffing as sales grow, with a goal of 150 employees
by the end of 2027. He also confirmed that the abatement request covers only
October 1, 2026 through October 1, 2027 because they are only acquiring the
building.
Angela added that Integrity Cabinets has been working with EARTH and has
connected with SAFE in Sylacauga to begin hiring new employees. The
Chairman stated this was encouraging news. She also mentioned plans to
make future donations to the EARTH organization due to the number of
cabinet businesses in the area. Commissioner Cunningham suggested donating
to Lincoln High School, which builds tiny houses. Angela agreed and stated
that the company previously donated cabinets for the first tiny house the
school constructed.
Commissioner Ingram commented that the company appears
community-oriented, and Angela agreed. Rodney stated that they are a
people-oriented company and affirmed that the company is committed to its
employees and the community, viewing both as interconnected.
Commissioner Morris asked which district the facility is located in, and
Commissioner Ingram stated that it is in his district-- District One. The
Commissioners expressed their appreciation for the presentation.
C. During the Work Session, Commissioner Haynes reviewed the Alcoholic
Beverage Control Board license application for RK FoodMart 2 LLC at
Stemley Chevron in District Two. He stated that, to his knowledge,
everything is in order at that location and he has no concerns, nor does
he foresee any issues with the application.
D. During the Work Session, County Administrator Amy Gilliland informed
the Commission of the Resolution to participate in the Worker’s
Compensation Self‑Insurance Fund (WCSIF) through September 30,
2030, which also maintains eligibility for the annual Longevity Bonus.
She explained that this commitment extends the County’s participation
in the worker’s compensation program for an additional three years,
and by doing so, the County qualifies for the longevity bonus
associated with continued enrollment.
E. During the Work Session, County Administrator Amy Gilliland informed the
Commission of the renewal engagement with CapRisk to provide actuarial
services for Talladega County. She explained that this is a longstanding service

provider for the County, handling “other (than pension) post‑employment
benefits” (OPEB) for all employees. CapRisk performs all actuarial calculations
and related work on the County’s behalf.
F. During the Work Session, the request for conference or training was submitted
for EM Specialist
G. During the Work Session, Assistant County Engineer Shawn McComb discussed
adding a section of Marble City Heights (District 5) to the County’s maintenance
list. Currently, portions of the roadway are maintained by the City of Sylacauga
and the City of Talladega, leaving a small segment of approximately 528 feet
unmaintained. The County will assume responsibility for this remaining portion
and add it to the County’s maintenance schedule.
H. During the Work Session, Assistant County Engineer Shawn McComb discussed
sending two surplus pieces of equipment to JM Wood Auction Company. He
stated that these two bush hogs were declared surplus about a month ago and
will be sent to the auction on September 22, 2026, to help offset the cost of the
new equipment.
Work Session ended at 5:28 p.m.

Chairman Limbaugh read statement, “The Talladega County Commission
has absolutely no power to tell the County residents to whom they can
sell their land or homes to. We only have power to grant or not grant a
tax abatement to a business. Thank you.”
AMEND SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 AGENDA
Commissioner Morris made a motion to amend the agenda to correct
the date on item “A” from June 8, 2026, to August 24, 2026, for the
permanent record, with a second by Commissioner Haynes. Motion
carried.
APPROVE MINUTES OF AUGUST 24, 2026
Commissioner Morris made a motion to approve the minutes of August
24, 2026, with a second by Commissioner Haynes. Motion carried.
APPROVE TO INCLUDE PALMER PLACE BUDGET PLAN IN
NEXT BUDGET MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 28, 2026
Commissioner Morris made a motion to approve to include Palmer Place Budget Plan
in the next budget meeting on Monday, September 28, 2026, with a second by
Commissioner Cunningham. Motion carried.

Chairman Limbaugh read the law statement: “ 911 has the authority to name new roads

and addresses. Any old roads to be named have to go to Road Department, and then get
approval from Talladega County Commission.”
APPROVE TO FOLLOW THE LAW FOR THE 911
ADDRESS CHANGE ON OLD SCHOOL ROAD IN
MUNFORD (DISTRICT ONE)
Commissioner Ingram stated that he would like for Shawn McComb and Daniel Calfee to
work together now that the law has been clarified. Commissioner Morris made a motion
to approve following the law regarding the 911 address change on Old School Road in
Munford (District One), with a second by Commissioner Ingram. Motion carried.
TABLE APPROVAL TO SUPPORT COOSA RIVERKEEPER THROUGH
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
Commissioner Cunningham requested that the County Administrator consult with the
attorney to determine whether the Commission can fund this organization, so the
Commission can have a definitive answer. Commissioner Morris also asked the County
Administrator to consult the attorney to determine whether Commissioners may
contribute individually using direct support funds. Commissioner Cunningham made a
motion to table the item until legal guidance is received, with a second by Commissioner
Morris. Motion carried.

APPROVE APPLICATION TO GRANTING AUTHORITY FOR ABATEMENT OF
TAXES FOR INTEGRITY CABINETS, LLC
Commissioner Ingram made a motion to approve the Application to the Granting Authority
for Abatement of Taxes for Integrity Cabinets, LLC for five years instead of the original
ten‑year abatement and revisit at a later date, with a second by Commissioner Morris.
Motion carried.
APPROVE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) BOARD ALCOHOL
LICENSE APPLICATION FOR RK FOOD MART 2 LLC AT STEMLEY CHEVRON
(DISTRICT TWO)
Commissioner Haynes made a motion to approve Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board
Alcohol License Application for RK FoodMart 2 LLC at Stemley Chevron (District Two), with a
second by Commissioner Cunningham. Motion carried.
APPROVE RESOLUTION FOR WORKER’S COMPENSATION SELFINSURANCE FUND (WCSIF) UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2030
Commissioner Morris made a motion to approve the Resolution to participate in the
Worker’s Compensation Self‑Insurance Fund (WCSIF) until September 30, 2030, and to
remain eligible for the annual Longevity Bonus, with a second by Commissioner Ingram.
Motion carried.

APPROVE RENEWAL ENGAGEMENT WITH CAPRISK
Commissioner Cunningham made a motion to approve renewal engagement with
CapRisk to provide actuarial services for Talladega County, with a second by
Commissioner Morris. Motion carried.
APPROVE REQUEST FOR CONFERENCE OR TRAINING FOR
EMS SPECIALIST
Commissioner Morris made a motion to approve conference or training for EMS
Specialist to attend Preparedness for Alabama Resilience Summit on September 30,
2026, with a second by Commissioner Cunningham. Motion carried.
APPROVE REQUEST FOR HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT ADDING SECTION OF MARBLE CITY
HEIGHTS TO MAINTENANCE LIST
Commissioner Morris made a motion to approve the request for the Highway
Department to add a 528-foot section of Marble City Heights (District 5) to the
maintenance list, with a second by Commissioner Ingram. Motion carried.
PERSONNEL
APPROVE EXPENDITURES
Expenditures in the amount of $904,211.63 were submitted for approval.
Commissioner Cunningham made a motion to approve expenditures, with a second
by Commissioner Morris. Motion carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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September is Suicide Awareness Month
The next Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 28, 2026,
at 6:00 p.m., with the work session beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Commissioner Cunnigham reminded the Commissioners to review the
budgets, as they are due by the end of September.
Commissioner Morris informed everyone that State Representative Steve Hurst
was in attendance and may have additional information regarding data centers.