CENTRE, Ala.– The Centre City Council approved a series of appointments, community improvements, and recreational initiatives during its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 24, including naming the city’s community center in honor of a longtime civic leader and bringing a local youth football league under city supervision.
Council members voted to name the facility the Mary George Jordan Wake Community Center, recognizing Wake’s decades of leadership and service to Centre and the state of Alabama. Officials highlighted her 28 years as president and CEO of Farmers and Merchants Bank, along with numerous civic, educational, and charitable leadership roles, including her induction into the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame. Council members noted that despite her extensive contributions, no city facility had previously been named in her honor.
The measure passed by roll call vote.
The council also approved accepting the Cherokee County Youth Football League into the city’s Parks and Recreation program. City officials said discussions with the Cherokee County Board of Education indicated support for the partnership, pending final agreements extending liability coverage and formal policy approval. The arrangement is expected to allow the league to utilize school facilities for a nominal annual fee while operating under the city’s recreational umbrella.
Several board appointments were approved during the meeting. Tom “Tiny” Owens was reappointed to the Alcohol Review Board for a three-year term. Council Member Sid Garrett was appointed to the Centre Planning Commission for a four-year term, while Marcus Williams was appointed to a six-year term on the Planning Commission. The council also named Cinda Sneed as chair of the Zoning Adjustment Board and appointed Debbie Curry to the same board.
Council members approved multiple purchases aimed at improving city services and recreational facilities. The council authorized $2,470.92 for dumpster lids for newly acquired sanitation dumpsters, approved the purchase of two in-line chlorinators for the city swimming pool for $2,400, and approved the purchase of 36 chaise lounge chairs for the pool, totaling $5,757.28. A proposal concerning a new farmers’ market coordinator was tabled until a future meeting.
The council also approved $2,000 in funding for the annual Arts in the Park event scheduled for April 25.
City officials reported construction of the new Centre City Hall remains largely on schedule despite minor delays related to groundwork. Completion is expected in the second or third week of March, with furniture ready for installation once construction is finished. Officials indicated a public ribbon-cutting ceremony could follow soon afterward.
Following regular business, the council entered executive session to discuss personnel policies. Officials said discussions could last up to an hour, and no immediate action was guaranteed afterward.
You can listen to the entire meeting right here:
