Commissioner Ricky M. Herring

Chattahoochee State Park Information

Today, Governor Kay Ivey officially enacted the Veteran's Homestead Exemption bill, HB155. I extend my sincere gratitude to Paul W Lee and Donnie Chesteen for their instrumental efforts in advancing this legislation, which will provide crucial support to disabled veterans within the State of Alabama. I also wish to acknowledge Christy Holland and Abi Holland for their presence at the bill signing ceremony. This occasion marked a significant moment, as HB155 represents the final bill signed by Governor Ivey during her tenure. It was a distinct privilege for us to participate in this historic event. As Revenue Commissioner, I am deeply committed to serving the citizens of Houston County.

We are deeply thankful to the Wiregrass Angel House for their tireless commitment to the Wiregrass Area, which stands out as the best. It is a honor to serve on the board. Today marks the 17th annual charity golf tournament, an event that raises crucial funds for dedicated employees and families affected by unfortunate circumstances. We appreciate all our sponsors and volunteers for their unwavering support.

👸Ms. Molly Meadows will be deeply missed at the Houston County Administration Building. She retires after decades of dedicated service. One notable aspect of Ms. Molly's character was her unwavering commitment to honesty and integrity. Ms. Molly, I wish you a wonderful retirement; you truly deserve it. 🫅

Alabama's 8% Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) is allocated between state and local governments, with a 50-50 split. The state portion is further divided, with 75% allocated to the General Fund and 25% to the Education Trust Fund. Local funds, on the other hand, are distributed based on population. A detailed breakdown of the distribution is as follows: 50% - State of Alabama: 75% to the General Fund and 25% to the Education Trust Fund. 50% - Local Governments: 40% to counties and 60% to municipalities, both distributed pro-rata based on population.

25% of the States SSUT money is allocated directly to the Education Trust Fund to support K-12 and public education, Colleges, and Libraries.

In 2025, the States General Fund received approximately $357,500,000.00 and 25% of that went to the Education Trust Fund, which is approximately $89,375,000.00.

The Alabama House of Representatives has passed a $10.9 billion Education Trust Fund (ETF) budget for fiscal year 2027, marking a record investment in state education. This budget, which takes effect on October 1, 2026, includes $7.59 billion for K-12 education and $2.89 billion for higher education, along with a $419.7 million supplemental appropriation.

In the early 1990’s a one percent sales tax was passed for Houston County, Dothan City Schools, and Houston County Schools. That one percent sales tax is divided three ways for each entity.

It is always a good day to help the County and City Schools with Funding. Our kids education is very important. Since the early 1990’s the Houston County Commission has given the Houston County Schools $500,000.00 a year from there general budget and has done MILLIONS of Dollars of in kind work on school properties, in which our Road and Bridge Department has done for years.

Ricky Andrea Herring

Local school systems to get additional funding from county after missing out The Houston County Commission has given the nod to help the pockets of Dothan City and Houston County Schools by giving them half of their Simplified Sellers...

The Town of Rehobeth will host a Public Involvement Meeting on the AL-605 / Brannon Stand Road Corridor Study

Where: Rehobeth Community Center
221 Malvern Road
Rehobeth, AL 36301

When: Thursday April 9th, 2026 @ 5:00pm

Project information can be found at the following links

www.aldotinvolved.com

https://aecomvr.com/DothanHwy605/ (virtual tour)

“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” MARK 10:9

29 years ago today, I made one of the best decisions of my life.

Andrea, thank you for being my rock, my joy, my accountability partner, and my safe place. You are the PERFECT WIFE and BEST FRIEND anyone could ever have. I love you!!

I commend the Houston County Emergency Management Agency for their exemplary proactive measures. Upon opening the doors at State Line this morning, I came across the contact card and flyer that effectively convey important information. 🇺🇸

Our Houston County Road & Bridge does an exceptional job. I am grateful for all of the crews at the Road and Bridge Department. Thank you!!

Monday was a great day for Houston County with the latest announcement with a new industrial company coming to town.

Sometimes these projects move fast, sometimes they take time.

Look at the below timeline for what has transpired over the last 6+ years:

2019 - Commissioner Ricky Herring contacts City Commissioner John Ferguson about recruiting industry down at Houston County Industrial Park off of State Line Road.

2019 - Ferguson and I met with James Brannon with Poly Engineering to talk about the Infrastructure needs for Houston County Industrial Park at the Industrial Park.

2019 - I asked Matt Parker w/ Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce how we can start recruiting Industry at the Industrial Park. After several conversations about recruiting industry, Matt Parker and Colton Cureton let me know they are trying to recruit industry, however it is difficult when the Industrial Park needs proper Infrastructure, such as water supply and sewage access.

2021 - I spoke to Ex-Chairman Mark Culver on the possibility of using American Rescue Plan Act money that we were receiving from the Federal Government to finish the 16” water line to the Industrial Park off of State Line Road. The Commission was able to put 5 million towards that project out of ARPA money.

2025 - because of inflation we were not able to complete approximately 1 mile of the water line. Chairman Brandon Shoupe and the County Commission, along with our State Delegation, was able to secure funding to finish the 16” water line to the Houston County Industrial Park.

Later part of 2025 - The Commission, our State Delegation, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Houston County Water Authority were able to secure funding for the Sewage infrastructure and it will be in place soon.

Because of the County Commissioner District 3, the County Commission, the City Commission, our State Delegation, the Houston County Water Authority, and the Dothan/Houston County Chamber of Commerce working together for one common goal this New Economic Development will be just the start of what is to come.

When a Commissioner does his job, it is not difficult to make things happen within 2 terms of office. It just takes good advisors, eagerness, and motivation to get things done. I hope to see more Industry and Jobs created at the Houston County Industrial Park for the benefit of our kids and grandkids future. This is so important for our County. Jobs create healthy opportunities!!

I can’t emphasize how great of a working relationship we have with our local elected delegation and our state delegation. We all work great together… And because we do, these are the results

J&M Industries Inc. to build new facility in Houston County DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN) — The J&M Industries, Inc. (J&M) will open a new manufacturing and distribution facility in the Houston County Distribution Park, according to a press release by J&…