Pelham · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pelham public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Business licensing and tax code amendments
A fast-moving Alabama bill would bar cities from counting work done outside their borders when calculating business license fees for trade industries. For Pelham, that could mean losing $500,000 to $750,000 a year — money that pays for police, fire, and road paving. The council unanimously opposed the bill and is lobbying lawmakers before it hits the House floor this week.
Ordinance Repeals and Updates (SB304 Compliance)
The council reviewed a package of five ordinance changes — including repeals of charitable solicitation registration and transient lodging tax discount rules and updates to sales tax and special events ordinances — several driven by new state law.
Employee vacation accrual updates
Two personnel-related items headed for October 5: an amendment to the retiree insurance benefit plan and updated vacation accrual rates in the Employee Handbook.
Cahaba Solid Waste Disposal Authority legal fee payment
The city agreed to pay the legal fees it owes the Cahaba Solid Waste Disposal Authority from litigation stretching 2021 to 2025.
Return to Monday-only council meetings
The council is considering moving regular meetings to Thursdays, separate from Monday work sessions, after a ranked poll of all six members favored that format. The idea is to give members more time to research agenda items before voting.
Retiree longevity payments
Eligible city retirees get a one-time payment of $1 per month of service under new state law — $300 for a 25-year retiree. First offered since 2022.
Coosa Composites Tax Abatement Agreement
The Council was set to consider a State of Alabama tax abatement agreement for Coosa Composites Holdings, LLC. Abatements can help attract or keep businesses, but they forgo some future tax revenue.
Employment Search Consulting Agreement
The council was to consider hiring Sumter Local Government Consulting to run an employment search, likely for a key city position.
Resident satisfaction award
Pelham earned the ETC Institute's 'Leading the Way' award, ranking in the top 10% of U.S. local governments on service quality, customer service, and value for taxes — scoring 232 versus a 114 national average.
America 250 celebration funding
The council fixed an oversight from last year's budget by setting aside money for America 250 events, starting with Saturday's Red, White and Bulls military appreciation night at the Pelham Civic Complex.
In-house IT department presentation
The city's IT team, led by Chuck Crocker, explained how they took technology back from outside vendors, rebuilt the network across 19 city locations, and moved city data into a secure Birmingham-area facility.
City manager employment agreement
The council locked in an employment agreement for the city manager, with an absent councilman's statement praising the city's steady leadership and momentum.