Shelby County commissioners adopted a formal resolution declaring the county eligible for disaster relief.

The resolution enables county administrators to apply for federal financial assistance under the Disaster Relief Act and the President’s Disaster Relief Fund.

Under the resolution, the county manager can provide information pertaining to clean-up costs and other expenses related to Hurricane Ivan to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

County Commissioner Ted Crockett said the resolution has to be adopted after every disaster declaration in order for the county to receive financial assistance.

Commissioner Larry Dillard took over as chairman of the commission during Tuesday morning’s meeting. Commissioners congratulated outgoing chairman Lindsey Allison for her service.

A new face appeared at the commission dais. Jon Parker replaced Jimmy Bice as District 3 commissioner.

Crockett thanked all of the election workers who helped during Tuesday’s election. More than 80,000 voters cast ballots in Shelby County.

&uot;I’ve never seen so many people vote. There was a tremendous increase, and the system held up,&uot; Crockett said.

Commissioner Earl Cunningham asked the commission to pass a resolution for county-wide prayer in support of U.S. armed forces engaged in combat in Iraq.

&uot;Let us pledge to do all we can through prayer and support for our troops,&uot; Cunningham said.

Dillard asked for a resolution to be presented to commissioners during their next meeting.