History Lamar County was created on February 4, 1867, during the Reconstruction period, from parts of Marion and Fayette Counties. Initially named Jones County in honor of E.P. Jones, it was short-lived as it was abolished later that same year on November 13, 1867. The area was reestablished as Sanford County on October 8, 1868, named after H.C. Sanford. Finally, on February 8, 1877, the county was renamed Lamar County. in honor of Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar, a prominent politician from Mississippi.
Population, Locations and Hours of Operations The Lamar County Commission serves a population of 13,621, with the majority of the business being conducted at the Courthouse Annex located at 205 Butler Circle SW, Vernon, AL 35592. Citizens can attend the 911 Board Meetings on the second Monday of each month at 8:00 am and the Commission Meetings on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 9:00 am at this location. The Courthouse Annex is approximately 5400 square feet and houses the Commission, Commission Court, Revenue, Probate, Tag and Board of Registrars offices. Hours of operation is Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
The Lamar County Annex II is located at 44725 Highway 17, Vernon, Alabama 35592 and is approximately 4000 square feet and houses the Solid Waste Department, VA, Soil and Water and Engineer offices. Hours of operation is Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The Engineer Office’s hours of operation are Monday – Thursday 6:00 am – 4:30 pm.
The Lamar County Jail is located at 1118 County Road 9, Vernon, AL 35592 and is approximately 16,592 square feet. The jail houses the dispatchers and is operated as detention facility that holds people awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The EOC is attached to the jail and is approximately 4,608 square feet and houses the 911, EMA, and Alabama State Troopers. Hours of operation is Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Employees Lamar County has 47 full time and 12 part time employees. Must be 18 years old and able to pass a drug test to qualify for a job with the county.
Budget Information
1. Basic Budget Overview
The budget outlines the estimated costs and anticipated income over the specified period. It includes all projected expenses—such as personnel, materials, travel, and operational costs—alongside expected revenue streams. This ensures transparent financial planning and effective resource allocation.
2. Funding Sources
Funding for the budget is drawn from a combination of sources, including taxes and grants income. Each source is identified with its respective contribution amount to provide a clear picture of financial support.
3. Summary Statement
A budget serves as both a financial roadmap and accountability tool, detailing how resources will be obtained and utilized to achieve project goals while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Due to the new WCAG Accessibility requirements, please speak to the County Administrator, Suzanne Otts in person at 205 Butler Cir SW, Vernon, AL for a copy of the FY2025-2026 Budget. Open records policy and laws will apply to the request.