CENTER, Ala- The Center City Council met Monday evening for a full session that included multiple appointments, contract renewals, budget approvals, and updates on upcoming holiday events. The meeting opened with an invocation delivered by Cheyenne Nicholson, a student involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Centre Middle School.

Council Appointments Approved

The council voted on several key city appointments:

• City Clerk: Sherry Chandler was appointed following a roll-call vote.

• Chief of Police: Kurt Blankenship was unanimously approved.

• City Attorney: Pat Tate will continue serving in the role.

• Municipal Judge: Bill Hawkins was confirmed as Municipal Judge.

• City Public Defender: Richard Couch was approved.

Gas Board Seats Filled

The council appointed two representatives to the DeKalb–Cherokee Gas Board. After nominations and voting, Mayor Jay Howell and Councilman Don Cochran were selected to fill the two positions.

Financial and Policy Approvals

The council approved the routine payment of monthly bills, including utilities, payroll, insurance, and court-related expenses.

Members voted to continue the city’s current spending policy, allowing committee chairpersons to spend up to $500 and to authorize up to $1,500 with approval from the mayor and one council member.

Two contract renewals with Avenue Insights were also approved, covering discovery and recovery services along with the collection of alcohol, beer, and wine taxes.

The council confirmed plans for the annual employee awards banquet and approved the menu, which will include steak, baked potatoes, salad, and dessert.

Seasonal Pay Adjustments Adopted

The council approved the 2025 holiday pay adjustments, including:

• $1,000 for full-time employees with 10 or more years of service

• $600 for full-time employees with under 10 years of service

• $300 for part-time employees

• $300 for volunteer firefighters

Christmas on Main Receives Funding

Preparations for the December 18 “Christmas on Main” event are underway, with updates presented regarding entertainment, carriage rides, cookies, and decor. The council approved a budget not to exceed $2,000 for the event.

Arts in the Park and Police Equipment

The council approved a payment of $3,000 to Chad Steed for his work organizing the recent Arts in the Park event.

Additionally, the police department received approval to purchase 14 new Glock firearms and 14 holsters at a total cost of $9,494.06, a budgeted expenditure.

Mayor and Council Offer Thanks

Mayor Jay Howell thanked the Center Police and Fire Departments for serving nearly 300 plates during a recent community event and praised the departments’ ongoing service to local residents.

Council members echoed their appreciation for city employees, public safety personnel, and department heads, while encouraging residents to take part in the upcoming Christmas Parade on December 4 and Christmas on Main on December 18.

The meeting concluded with warm Thanksgiving wishes from the mayor and council.

Listen to the meeting right here.