Drainage issues in back of the Byars building in downtown Russellville have become a problem – one the Franklin County Commission is jumping to address.

The commission Monday approved measures to address rainwater runoff on property the county owns behind the Byars building.

“It floods that building when we have a lot of heavy rain,” Commission Chairman Barry Moore explained.

Plans are in the works for a trench to be dug to divert at least some of the rainwater toward the street and into a storm drain.

“The drainage system that goes under the building – when you get a substantial rain, it’s not adequate,” county engineer David Palmer said. “What we’re talking about doing is diverting at least some of that water – not all of it, but a lot of it. What we hope is that the drainage system then can handle whatever our system of diversion doesn’t get.”

The commission approved the cost of the work not to exceed $2,000, to be coordinated by Palmer.

The county also approved a Franklin County Water Authority resolution clarifying the process for appointing board members and a resolution authorizing a CDBG application for Mar-Jac, in connection with the railway crossing under construction.

The council also:

• Approved the hire of Ovontae Graham and the resignation of Deanna Saint in the Frankin County Sheriff’s Office.
• Approved to advertise for vacant Correction Officer/Dispatcher positions.
• Approved a resolution for Fair Housing Month.