SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The Sylacauga City Council convened its first meeting of the month on Tuesday, May 5 following a work session that began at 5:00 p.m., addressing a mix of ceremonial recognitions, public safety concerns, and municipal business.
Mayor Dr. Matt Hubbard opened the meeting with two proclamations. The first commemorated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and expressed appreciation for the Alabama Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution for its efforts in promoting remembrance initiatives. The second proclamation recognized Thursday, May 7, as the National Day of Prayer.
In old business, council members approved an amendment to the city’s agreement with Btech, Inc. for managed IT services, specifically addressing Microsoft license and subscription management.
During new business, the council authorized the surplus of duty weapons and badges belonging to retiring police officers Curtis Looney and Timothy Collier, effective the day after their respective final shifts.
A proposed budget amendment aimed at addressing public safety concerns along the Hwy 280 corridor failed to pass. The measure would have allocated up to $25,000 from the city’s general fund to respond to an increase in feral dogs in the area. Because the resolution required unanimous approval, it was denied after Councilwoman Laura Barlow Heath cast the lone dissenting vote.
In a separate measure, the council approved a resolution by a 3-2 vote requiring all city department heads and the Human Resources specialist, or their representatives, to attend all City Council work sessions.
The council also approved several expenditures, including the purchase of a 2023 Ford Transit T-250 van for the city’s animal shelter at a cost of $29,999, using funds previously allocated in the fiscal year 2026 capital budget. Members also approved a revised scope of work for the Isabel Anderson Comer Museum skylight project in the amount of $8,980, funded through bond proceeds.
Additional approvals included fiscal year 2026 accounts payable invoices totaling $564,000.58 and April 2026 payrolls totaling $506,247.59.
The next City Council work session and meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, with the work session set to begin at 5:00 p.m.
