CENTRE, Ala.– City leaders worked through a packed agenda Tuesday night during the February 10th regular council meeting, approving community events, sponsorships, personnel hires, grants, payroll upgrades, time-tracking systems, and new vehicle safety procedures.
The meeting opened with prayer, followed by roll call, with all council members present.
Council first approved minutes from the January 13th and January 27th meetings, along with accounts payable.
In community business, members approved a request from Hearts and Hangers Ministry to use the city park March 7th for a fundraiser, contingent on verifying the organization’s nonprofit status.
Council also voted to support the Family Care Food Bank’s annual Duck Race fundraiser, agreeing to serve as the event’s first-place sponsor with a two-thousand-dollar contribution.
The Street and Sanitation Department received approval to surplus three pieces of equipment that are no longer needed.
In public safety matters, council approved hiring a part-time police officer. The position will work up to 30 hours per week at $17.50 an hour.
Fire officials were also authorized to move forward with an Assistance to Firefighters Grant application. Leaders explained there is no local cost unless the grant is awarded. If approved for two-hundred-thousand dollars, the city’s match would be roughly twenty-thousand dollars under the program’s formula.
Council then unanimously appointed Kevin Turner to a three-year term on the city’s Alcohol Review Board.
Members also approved entering into a partnership agreement with the Chamber of Commerce to host the 3R Rodeo, scheduled for June 12th and 13th, noting those were the only available dates for the traveling event.
A request involving the Cherokee County Youth Football League was tabled until the next meeting.
Several administrative upgrades were also approved.
Council agreed to contract with Dominion Payroll for payroll processing and direct deposit services. Costs include a $125 base monthly fee, $11 per employee per month, and a $7.50 electronic submission fee, totaling $506.50 per month. The agreement also includes a $500 one-time setup fee and a $99 annual maintenance fee.
Leaders also approved a new time management system through Gorey and Reagan. The city will purchase two physical time clocks — one for sanitation and one at City Hall — at $85 each, for a total of $170. The system carries monthly software and service fees totaling $420 per month, along with a $6,000 one-time setup cost. Police and fire personnel will utilize electronic clock-in options.
Council further voted to implement standardized vehicle inspection procedures across all departments. Employees operating city vehicles will complete routine safety checks, including lights, oil, brakes, and other equipment, and document any maintenance issues. Officials said the goal is safer operations and consistent upkeep of city vehicles.
Before adjournment, council members thanked employees and department heads for their cooperation as new systems are rolled out and for providing written explanations and budget impacts with agenda items to help improve decision-making. Leaders also highlighted upcoming events, including an Artist in the Park program, the farmer’s market season, and planning for the America 250 celebration later this year.
You can listen to the meeting in its entirety right here:
