PIEDMONT, Ala.– The Piedmont City Council approved a new municipal court pre-trial diversion program and appointed a new city clerk during its regular meeting Tuesday evening.
Council members voted to adopt Ordinance No. 644, establishing a voluntary pre-trial diversion program in Piedmont Municipal Court. City officials said the program will give eligible defendants an alternative option to resolve certain charges while keeping offenses off their permanent record if requirements are met.
During discussion, officials emphasized that participation in the program is optional and does not require hiring additional city employees. Council members also discussed how program fees will be tracked and potentially allocated through existing municipal court accounts. The ordinance passed following a roll call vote.
In other business, the council unanimously approved the appointment of Tashia Blackerby as Piedmont’s new city clerk. Mayor and council members said Blackerby agreed to serve following negotiations approved at the previous meeting. The council also reappointed Dr. Ben Ingram to the Piedmont Healthcare Authority Board.
Police Chief Nathan Johnson presented the November 2025 police activity report, highlighting more than 30 total arrests, 321 traffic citations, and 283 calls for service. Municipal court collections for the month totaled $8,777. Fire department officials reported responding to 83 calls in November, including medical, public service, and rescue-related incidents.
Piedmont Rescue and EMS Director Pat Brown also addressed the council, reporting nearly 700 total calls for the month and discussing ongoing financial challenges facing emergency medical services, including insurance reimbursement shortfalls. Brown thanked the mayor and council for continued support of the service.
The council approved payment of city bills totaling $475,923.93, along with a payroll of $163,989.55.
Council members also approved the purchase of power poles for Piedmont Power and Light, discussed holiday trash collection schedule changes, and heard reports on downtown revitalization efforts through Main Street Alabama.
The council also reminded residents of changes to city services during the Christmas holiday week. Monday and Tuesday trash routes will both be collected on Monday. Wednesday’s route will be collected on Tuesday, and Thursday’s route will be picked up on Wednesday. Residents are asked to place trash cans out early, as crews will be running multiple trucks to complete collections ahead of the holiday. City officials also noted that most city offices will be closed for the holiday, with limited crews working to maintain essential services.
The meeting concluded with council members praising city departments for recent improvements to downtown lighting and traffic signage.
You can hear the entire meeting right here.
