OAK GROVE, Ala. – The Oak Grove Town Council held a called meeting on Thursday morning, July 18th, 2024 to discuss several matters, including replacement of the retiring Charlie O’Barr, whose time with the town ends at the end of the current month.
O’Barr has served for the past 12 years as both the Chief of the Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department, as well as the head of the Oak Grove Street Department. The Council scheduled an interview for a candidate for the latter position for Monday, July 22nd.
Mayor Tony White said that he had several options in mind for the Fire Department, “It’s an important position, but it is a volunteer position. I want to talk with several possible replacements to see if they’re interested and willing to assume that leadership role. It needs a certain amount of experience to ensure the stability and drama-free environment of a volunteer department.”
The Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department covers the largest geographic area of any department in the region.
To start the process of attracting new business to Oak Grove, the Town Council discussed several proposed economic development incentive options. They voted to accept one of those options as the framework for negotiation with proposed business opportunities. It includes circumstances and conditions of abatement of non-education property taxes, business licenses & fees, as well as sales taxes.
The Council voted to accept a bid of $4,500 from Nationwide Tree Service for removal of two trees behind Town Hall, before adjourning the called meeting.
