CEDAR BLUFF, Ala.– The Cedar Bluff Town Council opened its January meeting with a moment of reflection following the death of Councilman Tom Wall.
Mayor Bill Warren announced that Councilman Wall, who represented District Four, passed away after complications from leukemia treatments. The mayor described Wall as a dedicated public servant who worked daily for the town and was instrumental in projects such as the annual chili cook-off, which raised thousands of dollars for local fire and police departments. Wall also helped develop and maintain the town’s website.
Probate Judge and Cherokee County Commission Chairman Tim Burgess led the council and community in prayer, asking for comfort for Wall’s family and guidance for town leaders moving forward.
Following the prayer, the council approved the December 8th meeting minutes and unanimously approved the town’s November financial reports. Mayor Warren noted the creation of a new finance committee aimed at increasing accountability through expanded review of deposits, expenditures, payroll, and bank reconciliations.
Department reports were then presented. The building inspector reported six nuisance letters issued. The police department reported more than ten thousand patrol miles, over one hundred eighty warnings, forty-five citations, and multiple arrests during the reporting period.
Mayor Warren formally declared the District Four council seat vacant, beginning the official process to fill the position.
The council then adopted a proclamation declaring January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, reaffirming the town’s commitment to education, awareness, and prevention efforts.
Another proclamation was approved honoring the life and service of Velma Sue Young, recognizing her decades of involvement with Cedar Bluff First Baptist Church and her role in founding the Cedar Bluff Alumni Association. The proclamation was presented to her son, David Young.
Council members also approved a resolution renaming Brown Street to Harp Street in honor of Hoyt and Letha Harp for their service to the community.
Additional actions included approving a public hearing for proposed zoning changes, declaring a surplus 1992 Ford Ranger, authorizing the purchase of new radios, approving an annexation ordinance, adopting a sign ordinance, repealing outdated building codes, and amending the nuisance abatement ordinance.
The meeting concluded with no further business, and the council adjourned.
