Tonnie Jones

The council discussed providing a one-time bonus for city retirees and longtime employees to address cost-of-living concerns, effective in 2027. The meeting also included the swearing-in of an officer and a formal acknowledgment of the Police Chief's upcoming retirement. The council reviewed departmental updates, including road closure plans for pipe replacement on Baptist Line Road, community summer programs, Juneteenth festival arrangements, and a monthly police report detailing reported cases and arrests.

The City Council meeting covered multiple new business items, including resolutions to recognize Peaches Daycare for 30 years of service and to honor the life and legacy of John Junior Wilkins. The council discussed the declaration of a surplus police vehicle and awarded contracts for the Broad Street resurfacing project and the water well electrical control panel replacement project. Additionally, the meeting included a briefing on the city's response to recent flash flooding and updates on infrastructure projects, including drainage improvements and upcoming street repairs.

The City Council meeting addressed multiple operational and community projects. Key agenda items included the approval of a bid for the Broad Street waterline replacement project, an amendment to the alcohol ordinance to include the central business district, and the renaming of a street to honor Army Staff Sergeant Tommy L. Little. The council also issued a proclamation for National Skilled Nursing Care Week and recognized Peaches Daycare for its service to the community. Additionally, the Council discussed local scams, the acquisition of new public works equipment including a grapple truck and a bucket truck, revisions to residential sanitation routes, and the importance of voter participation in upcoming elections.

The council discussed several items including the control panel replacement project for the water board, the appointment of a new member to the water and sewer board, and an amendment to the alcohol ordinance concerning the downtown central business district. Other business included the purchase of a grapple truck for the street department, the acquisition of a new police vehicle, a proclamation for the National Day of Prayer, and the launch of the Move with the Mayor campaign to promote physical activity. Additionally, the council addressed permitting requirements for an upcoming graduation celebration featuring equipment operation.

The council discussed the sealing of bids for a federally funded project and established a separate grant account for the Appalachian Regional Council. A mission change for the Federal Correctional Institution in Aliceville was addressed, as well as the rescheduling of a future council meeting due to a conference. A special presentation recognized 25 years of service by a police department employee. Departmental reports were provided for the police, street, fire, and parks and recreation departments, and upcoming plans for spring cleaning and property cleanup initiatives were discussed.