Decatur County Administrator Alan Thomas’ 1-year contract expired Thursday, July 28, and the Board of Commissioners approved another year-long contract at its meeting Tuesday.

“Alan has been doing a great job,” said Commission Chairman Dennis Brinson. “Things are moving forward. There have been several things going in the right direction. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with him.”

Brinson specifically applauded Thomas’ recent arrangement for the City of Bainbridge to return to using the Decatur County Landfill instead of hauling its trash to Campbellton, Florida, something they have been doing since April 2014.

Thomas himself believes he, the Board of Commissioners and Decatur County’s employees are on track to improving the county.

“We are getting a handle on our finances, and getting those in better shape,” Thomas said. “We will hopefully continue that trend and better improve our finances, and certainly explore other opportunities with the city for joint ventures, and continue striving to provide the best services to our citizens at the most efficient cost.”

Thomas helped station a Decatur County fire engine at the city’s West Bainbridge station, which has helped decrease response time and offer additional assistance to wrecks, fires and other accidents in that area.

Thomas hopes more joint ventures with the City of Bainbridge can be arranged during the next year of his tenure, he said.

The main difference between last year’s contract and the new one is Thomas’ compensation, which has increased from $115,000 to $127,500. A severance clause of $63,750 is included if he is terminated before the agreed upon date of July 28, 2017.

Thomas originally served as Decatur County administrator from 1989-2005 before voluntarily resigning due to personal reasons. He returned in 2015, replacing interim administrator Perry Henry.