Public Meetings - Tuscaloosa, Alabama

This work session of the Tuscaloosa City Council focused on two major topics: a detailed revenue projection review for fiscal year 2027 led by the finance department, and a comprehensive presentation on the Saban Center's capital and operational funding plans. The meeting highlighted conservative budgeting due to anemic sales tax growth, concerns over the Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) erosion, and the complex financial structure of the Saban Center involving multiple funding sources and departmental support. Discussion Items Revenue Projections for FY2027 - Finance Director Ms. Standridge presented a monthly revenue analysis covering 75% of general fund revenues ($176 million out of $234 million total). Major revenue streams examined: sales tax, property tax, lodging tax, and SSUT. - Sales tax: FY2026 projected at $48.577 million (excluding Morgan Wallen concert), exceeding the original budget of $47.6 million. The $800,000 Morgan Wallen impact was removed from FY2027 baseline due to non-recurrence. No growth factored into FY2027 budget. - Property tax: FY2026 projected at $24.5 million (budgeted $23 million), with 9.64% growth over prior year. A 4% growth factor ($982,000) applied for FY2027, yielding a $25.5 million budget. Tax abatements (e.g., Hotel Indigo, Embassy Suites) are falling off, freeing up revenue. - Lodging tax: Rebounding after a rough 2024-2025. FY2026 projected at $11.3 million (budgeted $10.5 million). Conservative approach: no growth assumed for FY2027, budget set at $11 million. Monthly volatility noted due to football games and graduations. Short-term rental data (homes) is now being tracked. - SSUT (Simplified Sellers Use Tax): Growing at 13% annually, but the mayor noted this line item is $12 million short of what would have been generated locally if the tax were collected at the point of sale. The city is losing significant revenue to the state. - General Fund: FY2026 is projected to end with a surplus of approximately $7 million over budget, which will be used for capital projects (not for ongoing expenditures). This surplus helped fund the pay plan, equipment, and offset cuts. - Budget philosophy: The administration recommended a 5% across-the-board cut and a reduction of 16 FTEs in the general fund to meet the needs of a growing city with stagnant revenue growth. The mayor emphasized that without solving SSUT by 2030-2032, the city faces real challenges. Saban Center – Capital and Operational Funding - Mayor presented the Saban Center as a fulfillment of the Elevate Tuscaloosa experience venue commitment (originally $60 million). Capital cost to the city is $66 million. External contributions: State of Alabama $25 million, community donors $35 million, grants $1.5 million. - Operational pro forma (provided by Saban Center Executive Director Audrey Buck) covered FY2027 (pre-opening, partial staffing), FY2028 (half-year of operations), and FY2029 (first full year). Income sources: tenant occupancy contributions, rentals, concessions, fundraising, grants, and city fund transfers from River District and general fund. - State STEM Hub: Alabama provides $2.5 million annually to the Saban Center Foundation, which covers teacher salaries, STEM lab supplies, and a portion of tenant occupancy reimbursement to the city ($500,000). This is an annual appropriation, not guaranteed beyond a year. - Tenant structure: The city operates the campus; three tenants (Ignite, Tuscaloosa Children’s Theater, State STEM Hub) have their own budgets and staff but pay a tenant occupancy fee to the city for shared services (maintenance, security, IT, marketing, accounting). - Staffing model: Positions are embedded within existing city departments (Strategic Communications, IT, Police, Finance, Facilities) rather than creating a separate Saban Center department. This leverages departmental expertise and allows for backfill. Council member Henry requested a consolidated profit/loss view to simplify understanding of total Saban Center costs. - Staffing recommendations: - Strategic Communications: 1 communications manager (Grade 26, 3+ years experience). - IT: 1 IT director, 1 exhibit technology manager, 1 network analyst, 1 systems analyst. Salary costs $1 million in FY28. - Police: 7 positions (5 security guards, 2 officers) for municipal security, operating 6 days/week with metal detectors. - Facilities: Still under development; expected cost $700,000+ (gray area pending decision on in-house vs. contract). - Accounting: 1 accountant added to finance to handle Saban Center reporting. - Fund flow: The Saban Center Foundation will raise $1.3 million annually; $416,000 goes back to tenants (Ignite, TCT) for their own fundraising; $750,000 goes to the River District Fund to support Saban Center operations. The River District Fund also receives lodging tax revenue and Elevate O&M funds to cover the $3.9 million annual city cost. - River District Park: A half-percent lodging tax increase (from 2% to 2.5%) is proposed to fund a $400,000 annual repayment to the general fund for the river district parking project, repaid over 7 years. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the session was informational for budget planning. - The council will continue discussions on the FY2027 budget and Saban Center funding in subsequent meetings. - The administration will provide additional detail on the facilities maintenance model and consolidated financial reporting for the Saban Center. - The council expressed support for the Saban Center’s mission but emphasized the need for transparent, simplified financial tracking. - The mayor reiterated that solving the SSUT issue is a top priority to avoid significant fiscal constraints in the 2030s. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were taken during the session. Consent Calendar - None.

The Tuscaloosa City Council held its regular meeting on September 1, 2026, addressing demolitions, a zoning amendment, special event licenses, and public comments on train blockages. The meeting opened with a proclamation honoring two beloved preschool teachers and concluded with unanimous votes on most agenda items. Proclamation - Councilor Howard presented a proclamation declaring September 9, 2026, as "Betsy Williams and Kim Went Day" in recognition of their service as teachers at Little Friends School at Calvary Baptist Church. David Risling, a former student, accepted and spoke about the importance of early childhood educators, the need to support them, and reducing stigma around autism. Consent Calendar - Approved Items A through I on the consent agenda unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Zoning Amendment 46 (3311 and 3327 Hargrove Road East): Three residents spoke in opposition: - Carolyn Booth (3709 34th Avenue East) expressed concerns about increased traffic (estimated 48 cars per phase) exiting onto Broadview Road, impacting her ability to exit her driveway, and questioned the validity of a traffic study conducted on May 19, 2026, after University of Alabama students had left. - Jacques Dunn (5236 Woodland Forest Drive) opposed the proliferation of townhouses in Tuscaloosa, citing aesthetics and lack of community input, and questioned whether the city would ever impose a moratorium. - Iselle Harper (3743 34th Avenue East) emphasized disrespect to long-standing communities, noted the traffic study was a one-day study during a low-traffic period, and stated the developer had not met with residents. - Citizen Comment on Train Blockages: A citizen (name not given) criticized the city's inaction on trains blocking railroad crossings for hours. He presented six options: enforce the existing city ordinance, pass a public safety ordinance, request state legislation extension, support federal railroad legislation, apply for federal crossing elimination grants, and establish a local reporting system. He noted the mayor had previously stated the city had authority (2017) but now the police chief said the city had none due to federal preemption. Discussion Items - Demolition Orders: Four properties were discussed: 1. 1721½ 16th Avenue East (eastern structure) – 48 violations; owner requested 90 days; council voted 120 days (passed unanimously). 2. 1721 16th Avenue East (western structure) – 48 violations; tabled for 120 days (unanimous). 3. 30 Eastwood (southeast structure) – 22 violations; tabled for 90 days (unanimous). 4. 2018 Dinah Washington Avenue – 22 violations; tabled for 120 days (unanimous). - Zoning Amendment 46: Petition to rezone 4.6 acres at 3311 and 3327 Hargrove Road East from SFR-1 (single-family residential) to SFR-4 (suburban residential) in Council District 6. Planning and Zoning Commission had voted 6-3 not to recommend approval (July 26, 2026). Applicant (Tom Sims, Longleaf Engineering, on behalf of Clay Smith) stated the property was annexed into the city earlier in 2026, and the zoning change would allow various residential options, potentially affordable townhomes, but no specific plan yet. Council voted 4-2 to approve the rezoning (Mr. Lanier, Mr. Eatman, Mr. Williams, and one other voted yes; two voted no). Council members urged the applicant to meet with residents before finalizing plans. - Special Events Retail License: Approved Levy Premium Food Service (doing business as Events at Bryant-Denny Stadium Champions Lane) for less than seven days for seven home games in 2026, set up outside Bryant-Denny Stadium Line A from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. No objections from police. Key Outcomes - Demolitions: All four demolition orders were tabled (120 days for two, 90 days for one, 120 days for one) with unanimous votes. - Consent Agenda: Adopted unanimously. - Zoning Amendment 46: Passed (4-2) to rezone to SFR-4; public hearing held; matter will return to Planning and Zoning Commission for detailed plan review. - Special Events License: Approved unanimously. - Resolutions Adopted (unanimous): - Authorized purchase of equipment/supplies from Tuscaloosa Attractor. - Authorized grant application for 2026 Stopping Threats on Pedestrians Competitive Grant Program. - Temporarily expanded downtown entertainment district hours for Saturday, October 3, 2026. - Authorized Memorandum of Understanding with FBI. - Authorized amended agreement with Spectrum Business. - Authorized contract with EMC with bid law exemption. - Obtained stop loss health insurance from HMARC for FY 2027. - Authorized minor public works contract with Hollyfield Electrical. - Authorized minor public works contract with Southern Heating and Cooling. - Introduced Zoning Amendment 47 (first reading). - Authorized Amendment 19 to FY 2026 General Fund budget (unanimous consent). - Set October 6, 2026 as public hearing for Zoning Amendment 47. - Auditing Accounts: Authorized payment of bills unanimously. - Adjournment: Motion carried unanimously.

The Tuscaloosa City Council's Administrative Committee met on September 1, 2026, at 8:46 PM. The committee approved minutes, discussed several personnel and policy items, and voted on actions including a new health insurance option, a technology director position, and a surplus property ordinance. A salary adjustment for the executive director of public safety was referred to the Public Safety Committee. Consent Calendar - Approval of the minutes from the previous meeting (motion and second, all in favor). Spousal Incentive HRA Contract with HELIA - Ms. Herbert presented a request to enter into a contract with HELIA for a spousal incentive Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). This would introduce a third health plan option for city employees, reimbursing 100% of deductibles, copays, and coinsurance under a spouse's employer-sponsored plan up to a $12,000 annual maximum. The HRA is non-taxable for employees. No setup costs, implementation fees, or monthly minimums for the city. The mayor expressed full support, calling it a "win-win" for employees and the city. Motion passed unanimously. Technology Job Classification (Director of Technology for Savings Center) - Jason presented a request for a new job classification: Director of Technology for the savings center. The position will oversee all technology within the building, including approximately 1,400 devices (exhibits, audio visual, computers, STEM hub, etc.), museum software, point-of-sale systems, theater space, and classrooms. The position will report to Jason and eventually oversee eight staff, with two positions reimbursed by Ignite. Questions were asked about budget and staffing. Motion passed unanimously. Executive Director of Public Safety Job Classification Change (Non-Exempt to Exempt) - Administration presented a request to change the job classification for the executive director of public safety from non-exempt to exempt, in compliance with House Bill 160 which removes eligibility for overtime or compensatory time. The qualifications remain the same. The mayor noted this is a prerequisite for the subsequent salary adjustment. Motion passed unanimously. Amendment to Pay Grade PF8 (Salary Increase for Executive Director of Public Safety) - A request to amend Section 19-52 of Exhibit D of the Code of Tuscaloosa to change the pay range for PF8. Currently step 1 is $144,206.20 and step 15 is $203,459.59; proposed step 1 is $189,015.91 and step 15 is $267,074.53. The current executive director is on step 11 at $184,000; the proposal would place the position at step 9 ($230,297.53). Discussion noted that under the old classification, the position qualified for overtime, and police and fire chiefs made over $200,000 last year. The mayor argued the salary increase is necessary to ensure the executive director does not lose money and earns more than the chiefs he supervises. A council member expressed concern about public perception, noting that the public safety director in Montgomery is paid much less. The mayor countered that Tuscaloosa faces unique challenges, including 51 large events last year and a weekend with 125,000 people. A motion was made to refer the item to the Public Safety Committee, with the caveat that it be doubled up on the council agenda on September 22. The motion passed. Surplus Real Property RFP Ordinance - Mayor and Hudson Sheshire presented a proposed ordinance to establish a formal RFP process for the sale of surplus real property owned by the city. The ordinance provides flexibility: the council would direct the city attorney's office to issue an RFP when interested in selling a property, and then later declare the property surplus by resolution. Exceptions include properties acquired through foreclosure on demolition liens (handled by auction) and properties that were unsuccessfully offered via RFP within the previous calendar year. The ordinance aims to increase transparency and accountability. A council member noted a small property in his district that would not require a full RFP. Motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved unanimously: Minutes, HELIA contract, Technology director classification, Executive director classification change to exempt, Surplus property RFP ordinance. - Referred to Public Safety Committee: Amendment to PF8 pay grade for executive director of public safety (to be considered on September 22 and doubled up on council agenda). - The meeting was adjourned after all business.

The Tuscaloosa City Council met on September 1, 2026, to adopt minutes, approve two district-related items, and receive a detailed Fiscal Year 2027 water and sewer budget briefing. City finance and utility staff presented revenue projections, indirect cost allocations, personnel and consent-decree issues, line-item changes, and debt figures. Consent Calendar - The previous meeting's minutes were adopted by unanimous voice vote. - Councilman Henry presented an agreement made by his predecessor to address drainage on Academy Drive, where houses had been torn down, in order to make the area more usable and add park benches. He said he was glad to honor the request. The item was approved unanimously. - General Fund Budget Revision No. 20 was approved unanimously. It moved $5,000 from the previous year's fund balance into the current fiscal year's District 3 district improvement funds because year-to-date District 3 spending had exceeded the $15,000 threshold. Water and Sewer Budget Discussion - Water sales for the upcoming fiscal year were projected at about $47.5 million; sewer sales were projected at about $35.5 million. Revenue growth was about 9%, slightly below the 10% rate increase. Staff projected the water department as a whole would make budget, but water sales might be slightly under projection and sewer sales were expected to offset that. - Depreciation expense was budgeted at $12.1 million, up from $11.7 million the prior year. Staff explained that depreciation is included in the proprietary fund budget because of full accrual accounting and affects the net position available for capital reinvestment. - The AMI meter project was about 72% complete. It covers one-inch-and-smaller residential meters, while large meters are being converted in-house; all meters are expected to be on AMI. - Utility staffing was about 200-205 employees, with 15-20 vacancies at any given time. Entry-level turnover was common; upper-level retention was better, though some supervisor/manager positions may require outside hiring. The consent decree entered its sixth year on August 17 and may bring recommendations for additional lift-station staff. One new net FTE was included in the budget recommendation because of the consent decree. - The city's indirect cost allocation methodology, recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association, will transfer $10.485 million from water and sewer to the general fund in FY27. The methodology uses cost drivers for city attorney, human resources, accounting/finance, facilities maintenance, IT, operations, city council, mayor/clerk, strategic communications, and fleet maintenance. Water and sewer accounts for 13% of city employees, used in the HR allocation. Facilities maintenance square footage was identified as a contested factor because of large plant facilities, but it is still charged under the current methodology; the methodology is scheduled to be retweaked in 2027. The transfer has not been below $8 million in the past three years. - Line-item notes: A $200,000 increase in water/sewer administrative outside services was a placeholder for a potential contract and would be revised after the first quarter if not needed. Lab outside services increased partly because samples are processed in Louisiana and because of UCMR sampling requirements. Fletcher outside services decreased. Auto maintenance increased because 2018-2021 F-150s required transmission and engine replacements and a recall. Meter repair costs are falling as AMI replacements shift spending to the capital side. Interest income is not budgeted because it is hard to project and is treated as a surplus. The lateral assistance program was budgeted at $50,000 but had no applicants; it is now funded from water/sewer funds instead of CDBG, with the same criteria including economic/property value and drainage-basin factors. Public education increased from $0 to $25,000, paired with a billboard campaign. The city pays credit card processing fees by policy to encourage online payments; one council member asked about passing the fees on to customers, and staff said the idea could be explored. - Total remaining water and sewer debt principal was reported at $169 million. Water and sewer debt is general-obligation debt with no separate revenue pledge; the last non-taxable GO issuance was about $65,000 per million, and budget-based interest cost was about 3.96% of the remaining balance. Key Outcomes - Minutes, the Academy Drive agreement, and Budget Revision No. 20 were each approved unanimously. - No vote was taken on the FY27 water and sewer budget during this portion of the meeting; the budget discussion was scheduled to continue later in the week (Wednesday/Thursday). - The council adjourned after the briefing.

The Public Projects Committee met on September 1, 2026, to consider and approve ten agenda items related to right-of-way permits, infrastructure improvements, change orders, and minor public works contracts. All items were approved unanimously. Discussion Items Item 1: Right-of-Way Use Permit for Structural Columns on Greensboro Avenue – Bill introduced the permit on behalf of Charles Sperling (represented by Mr. Duncan). The permit supports a development adjacent to the Greensboro streetscape project, at a property that had been vacant for approximately 15 years. The design was praised by council members, and Mr. Eatman acknowledged Mr. Sperling's role in downtown investment. Approved. Item 2: Infrastructure Improvements at Cloverdale and Hackberry – Acceptance of sewer connections serving new units between the railroad and 15th Street. Approved. Item 3: Infrastructure Improvements on Bryant Drive adjacent to 15th Street – Acceptance of sewer system and sidewalk built in front of units along Bryant Drive. Approved. Item 4: Balance Change Order for Crosswalk Striping Phase 1 – Zach presented the change order ($6,823 additive, total contract $91,158) for installing continental crosswalk striping at 18 downtown intersections and 6 on Jack Warner Parkway to improve visibility. Approved. Item 5: Minor Public Works Contract – Cleaning Hillcrest Tank – Brian presented a contract for $8,690 to clean the Hillcrest water tank, funded operationally, expected to take one week in September. Approved. Item 6: Minor Public Works Contract – Standpipe Installation at Lift Station 17 – Brian presented a contract for $17,967 to install a standpipe to bypass sewage around lift station 17 (on Hunt Oil campus), needed to replace valves/pumps. Work expected two weeks in September. Approved. Item 7: Minor Public Works Contract – Asbestos Abatement at 2714 31st Avenue – Eric presented a contract for $4,850 to remove and dispose of asbestos from a structure approved for demolition. Approved. Item 8: Minor Public Works Contract – Contents Removal at 2819 Shannon Drive – Eric presented a contract for $15,506 to remove all contents at this address, funded from outside services. Approved. Item 9: Minor Public Works Contract – Exterior Renovations at Fire Station 1 – Jamie presented a contract for $27,223 with Amoson and Associates for repairs, cleaning, and repainting of columns, bay doors, and bollards at Fire Station 1 (Greensboro and 15th Street). Approved. Item 10: Authorization to Retain Appraisal Consultant Group for Northern Sewer Expansion Phase 2 – Tom presented a request to retain the appraisal and consultant group to obtain appraisals for 29 tracts needed for the Northern Sewer Expansion Project Phase 2. Approved. Key Outcomes All ten agenda items were approved unanimously by voice vote. The committee then adjourned.

The Tuscaloosa City Council held a pre-council meeting on September 1, 2026, at 6:32 PM. The meeting included approval of routine consent items, discussion of a rezoning request, and an agenda briefing for the upcoming council meeting. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the previous meeting. - Granted a 90-day extension for property at 1721½ 16th Avenue East after progress was made. - Granted a 90-day extension for property at 1721 16th Avenue East after interior gutting and window replacements. - Granted a 90-day extension for a storage building at 30 Eastwood, with the owner making repairs. - Granted a 90–120 day extension for the Donna Washington House due to volunteer-based progress. - Approved a special events retail license for Levy Premium Phase Service at Bryant‑Denny Stadium for all seven home games (7 AM to 8 PM on Line A). - Approved the reappointment of Dr. David Nelson to the Historic Preservation Commission. Discussion Items - Rezoning Request (3311 Hargrove Road East): Clay Smith petitioned to rezone 4.6 acres from SFR‑1 to SFR‑4. The property had been island‑annexed by the city. A previous proposal for 24 townhomes was denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission (6–3 vote) due to parking, traffic, trash management, and neighborhood character concerns. The applicant has no specific plans for the rezoned property. Council discussed the history, traffic issues, and strong neighborhood opposition (13 emails and many residents opposed). No vote was taken; the matter will be considered further. The use conforms to the city’s framework plan. Agenda Briefing - Mr. Holmes reviewed several items for the formal council meeting, including: - Withdrawal of the water distribution system engineering standards ordinance due to a publication date error (to appear September 22). - Demolition liens for properties at 520 25th Avenue East and 2208 3rd Street East. - Purchase of a Kubota zero‑turn tractor ($18,484.72). - Grant application for pedestrian bollards from the USDOT. - Temporary expansion of the downtown entertainment district hours for October 3, 2026. - MOU with the FBI for the Central Alabama Threat Team. - Agreement with Spectrum for FAA communication equipment at the airport. - Contract with Electrical Machine Control ($43,900). - Stop‑loss health insurance from HighMark for FY2027. - Minor public works contracts with Hollyfield Electrical ($27,557.20) and Southern Heating & Cooling ($38,580). - Introduction of a zoning amendment (21st Avenue Development LLC) to rezone 0.4 acres from D to DP. - Amendment No. 19 to the FY2026 general fund budget. - Setting October 6, 2026 as the hearing date for the zoning amendment. Key Outcomes - All consent calendar items were approved unanimously. - The rezoning request was discussed but no action taken; further deliberation expected. - The agenda for the next council meeting was finalized with the noted withdrawal and new items. Announcements - Public project 1630 finance at 3 PM, admin at 3:30 PM, council meeting at 5 PM. - Budget hearings: September 2 (second hearing) and September 3 if needed. - City Hall closed September 7 for Labor Day; no council meetings that week. - Historic Preservation Commission meets September 9. - Central High School homecoming week celebrated.

The Tuscaloosa City Council Budget Committee met on August 26, 2026, to review major city funds, the public safety department budget, and the operations department's innovation proposals. Discussions centered on the River District Fund, Elevate fund sustainability, police and fire recruitment and retention challenges, and technology-driven efficiency gains. No formal votes were taken, but committee members provided direction and requested additional data. Discussion Items - River District Fund & Tourism Capital: The committee discussed a proposal to redirect 0.5% of the 11% lodging tax from the tourism capital fund to the River District Fund to pay for a $2.8 million parking project. The tourism capital fund would be closed after existing projects are expended. Council members questioned the rationale and the impact on hoteliers. Mayor Maddox noted that the tourism capital fund had rarely been used for direct tourism requests. - Elevate Fund Sustainability: Ms. Standridge explained that Elevate is nearing its spending capacity due to debt service commitments for the next 30 years, with four large debt issuances already and two more planned. Mayor Maddox expressed that keeping Elevate separate ensures transparency and protects debt obligations. Councilman Eatman raised concerns about future councils redirecting funds, but the mayor emphasized credit rating obligations. Councilman Henry requested a deeper dive into Elevate's budget to ensure maintenance of assets. - Public Safety Department Structure: Director Blankley clarified that the public safety administration is embedded within the police department budget, as no separate department was created by code. The committee suggested creating a separate administrative category for public safety to improve transparency. Director Blankley noted he has only two direct staff: an emergency operations manager and a special projects coordinator. - Police Budget: Chief Bayjew discussed recruitment challenges, noting that of 91 applicants, only 9-10 remained after testing and background checks. The department has 27 sworn vacancies and 9 civilian vacancies (projected 22 sworn after budget adoption). Overtime is decreasing due to the creation of the Delta detail unit, which saved over $200,000. Retirement projections show up to 22 departures over the next year. A new police training facility is a long-term goal, with a grant application expected next year. - Fire Budget: Chief Delk highlighted a focus on training, with increased funding for train-the-trainer programs and supervisory leadership. Fire has only one vacancy currently, but up to 32 retirements are expected. Overtime is decreasing due to policy changes effective September 1. A new Peregrine software lease will provide real-time data on response metrics. The Life Pack 35 package will equip all engines with advanced life support capabilities, funded through a seven-year agreement. - Operations Department Innovation: Operations Director Moore presented a proposed increase of 5-6 positions to drive digital modernization and data analytics. Mayor Maddox emphasized that the innovation hub will reduce costs over time through efficiency gains. Examples included fleet savings of $800,000 in commuting miles and a 650-call reduction in environmental services within 90 days via Peregrine technology. The proposal is cost-neutral in FTEs overall, with a net reduction of 16 general fund positions. Key Outcomes - The committee directed staff to provide a breakdown of the corrections fund availability and a detailed analysis of the Elevate budget. - Committee members requested that public safety administration costs be separately identifiable in future budgets. - The mayor and directors committed to providing additional information on the vehicle replacement plan, equipment line items, and the breakdown of outside services for police. - No formal votes were taken; the discussion was informational and will inform the full council's budget adoption process.

The Tuscaloosa City Council met in regular session on August 25, 2026, taking unanimous action on property demolitions, a rezoning, liquor licenses, contracts, grants, and ordinances. The meeting began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the prior meeting minutes. Consent Calendar - The council approved the minutes of the previous meeting. - The consent agenda, Items A through F, was adopted unanimously. Discussion Items - Demolition – northern structure at 3336 20th Street: Mr. Williams reported that the property was posted for condemnation on May 29, 2026, and had 48 housing code violations. The owner was contacted and aware that demolition costs would be charged back. It was a voluntary condemnation of the house and all accessory structures; the owner was not present. The council voted unanimously to order demolition. - Demolition – southern structure (3336 20th Street / 3422 20th Street): Mr. Williams presented the same condemnation facts, including 48 housing code violations and the May 29, 2026 posting. The owner was not present. The council voted unanimously to order demolition. - Zoning Amendment No. 45: Staff presented Mike Hicks' petition to rezone approximately 0.8 acres at and around 916 22nd Avenue East from GC to MR2 for a multifamily development in Council District 5, near Kicker Road off University Boulevard East. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval at its July 2026 meeting. Applicant Brandon Clark appeared, and no one spoke for or against. The council voted unanimously to adopt the zoning amendment. - Westerfield Club – Class 2 Club Liquor License: Ms. Key presented the ABC application for Westerfield Club LLC, doing business as Westerfield Club, at 3100 Yacht Club Way Northeast. Officer Branscombe said the police department had no objection. Applicant Mr. Turner answered questions, and no public comment was offered. The council unanimously approved the license. - Beef O'Brady's – Restaurant Retail Liquor License: Ms. Key presented the ABC application for Promote 15 LLC, doing business as Beef O'Brady's of Tuscaloosa, at 3799 McFarland Boulevard East. Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., with an occupancy of 245. Officer Branscombe reported no police objection. Applicant Mike Patel said he planned to open after licensing and two weeks of corporate training. The council unanimously approved the license. Resolutions, Ordinances, and Introductions The council took the following actions unanimously: - Authorized the CFO to draw drafts for Eastover Drainage Improvements Project easement acquisitions. - Authorized a minor public works contract with Civil Works Construction. - Tentatively awarded a public works contract to Southern Marine Construction Company. - Accepted installed public infrastructure improvements for Oakmont and for the Culver Road Sewer Extension. - Authorized a grant application for the FY26 COPS Safer Outcomes Grant. - Authorized execution of a grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. - Authorized execution of Amendment No. 1 to the reimbursable agreement with the FAA. - Authorized execution of a grant agreement with the FAA and Owlot. - Authorized execution of a memorandum of understanding with Ascension FBO Network. - Authorized termination of an agreement with Vector Airport Systems. - Authorized an agreement with the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama. - Introduced the ordinance adopting the water distribution system engineering standards and set September 22, 2026, as the hearing date for its adoption. - Annexed approximately 0.2 acres at 13236 North River Farms Drive into the city corporate limits. - Amended Section 541 of the Code of Tuscaloosa. - Authorized the payment of bills. Public Comments & Testimony - Tristan Sent of 4014 Windermere Drive addressed the council. He said the water department had notified him that starting October 1 he would be charged a sewage connection fee even though his home is not connected to sewer; only two of his neighbors are connected. He expressed opposition to paying for a service he does not receive. He explained that he discovered his home was on a septic tank after purchasing it six years ago, and that connecting to sewer would cost nearly $7,000 because the house is below the sewer hookup. He said he and several neighbors would be open to connecting if the city offered an incentive or cost-sharing. The Mayor acknowledged the charge originated from the city's 1950s sewer expansion, said the resident's situation was a rare exception, and stated staff would follow up with him. Key Outcomes - All votes taken during the meeting were unanimous. - Demolition was ordered for both the northern and southern structures at 3336 20th Street. - Zoning Amendment No. 45 was adopted. - Both ABC liquor licenses were approved. - All resolutions, public works contract awards, grant authorizations, the annexation, and the code amendment were adopted as listed above. - The water distribution system engineering standards ordinance was introduced, with a public hearing set for September 22, 2026. - The Mayor said staff would follow up with the Windermere Drive resident about the sewage connection fee.

The Tuscaloosa Public Safety Committee met on August 25, 2026, to receive updates from the Tuscaloosa Police Department (TPD), discuss several resolutions, and take action on items including a student internship agreement, an FBI memorandum of understanding (MOU), and a temporary expansion of downtown entertainment district hours. Consent Calendar - Approval of previous meeting minutes: The committee approved the minutes from the prior meeting unanimously. Discussion Items - TPD Chief's Update: Chief provided an overview of recent departmental activities: - Crime statistics: Year-to-date, crimes are down by double digits in all five major categories. - New PAL vehicle: A seized Dodge Charger, repurposed for community events. - Shoreline erosion repair at the Lakes Division, previously approved by the committee, has been completed. - Officer Gant recognized for performing CPR and saving an infant's life. - Promotions: Several since July, including Captain Burns. - Major Crimes Response Unit: Repurposed from a fire department rescue truck for evidence collection. - Outdoor concrete pad completed; motor shed construction has started. - SWAT team received JAG award grant for night vision equipment. - Cadet Program Discussion: - The cadet program has six paid positions for individuals aged 18 to 21; upon turning 21, cadets can transition to recruit officer positions. - Chief reported that the current six cadets are performing very well, and he plans to request additional slots next year. - TPD currently has 22 sworn officer vacancies. - Despite 90 applicants for officer positions, only 12-15 showed up for testing. The department conducts monthly testing to streamline hiring. - Councilmembers expressed interest in meeting the cadets and requested a future presentation. - Resolution: Agreement with University of Alabama for Student Internship Program with BIT: - Lieutenant Parker explained that the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) encompasses crisis intervention, mental health officers, school resource officers, social workers, and the Central Alabama Threat Team. - The internship would allow a student to gain college credit while learning under BIT staff. - Motion passed unanimously. - Resolution: MOU with FBI for Central Alabama Threat Team: - The MOU formalizes the partnership for the threat team, which is already hosted at the TPD facility. - A councilmember praised the collaboration as impressive for community safety. - Motion passed unanimously. - Item Tabling: Mr. Holmes requested to table an item due to internal matters needing attention. The committee approved the motion to table. - Resolution: Temporary Expansion of Downtown Entertainment District Hours: - Dr. Day requested expanded hours from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, for Octoberfest sponsored by Visit Tuscaloosa at Government Plaza. - The standard hours are Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. - Similar approvals were granted in previous years. - Motion passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Approved previous meeting minutes. - Approved resolution for student internship agreement with University of Alabama (unanimous). - Approved resolution for FBI MOU regarding Central Alabama Threat Team (unanimous). - Tabled an unspecified item pending further internal work (unanimous). - Approved temporary expansion of downtown entertainment district hours for October 3, 2026 (unanimous).