CENTRE, Ala.- The Centre City Council met Tuesday evening for its regular January meeting, approving multiple expenditures and hearing quarterly departmental reports.

Council members approved accounts payable and received updates from city departments, including fire, police, parks and recreation, sanitation, and administration.

Fire Chief Robert Pace reported a continued increase in emergency calls over the past year, with average response times just over seven minutes.

Police Chief Kirk Blankenship reported more than 230 arrests and 45 traffic accidents during the past year. He noted the city recorded zero traffic fatalities, with no crashes attributed to speeding or DUI.

Don Cothran spoke on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Department, reporting on the winterization of city facilities and early planning already underway for the 2026 baseball and softball season.

Bobby Paul with the Sanitation Department provided updates on equipment maintenance and daily operations.

During public comments, a resident raised concerns about drainage problems, standing water, road conditions following utility repairs, condemned properties, and stray animals in several areas of the city. City officials acknowledged the concerns and said they are working with the appropriate departments to address the issues.

Council approved several budgeted sponsorships, including funding for the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, the annual Crappie Rodeo, and the Extended Family program. Council also approved the purchase of a portable pool vacuum costing $4,000.00 to address algae issues at the city pool and approved the purchase of new garbage dumpsters totaling $13,050.00 for the street department.

Council approved replacing a fire department generator transfer switch at a cost of $1,300.00 and the purchase and installation of an emergency generator for the new Centre City Hall at a cost of $62,635.00.

Council approved an agreement with the Children’s Advocacy Center in the amount of $8,150.00 to allow architectural work and repairs to move forward and the project to be put out for bid.

A resolution was adopted authorizing the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission to act on the city’s behalf in preparing and submitting a grant application aimed at addressing long-standing drainage issues in the Hatcher area.

The meeting concluded with recognition of January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and council comments.

You can listen to the entire meeting right here: