Application for Appointment to the Pell City Board of Education now available

During its regular meeting on Monday, February 24, the City Council for the City of Pell City unanimously approved a formal application for appointment and the window for residents to apply for the Pell City Board of Education in 2025.

The official application is now available to download or to complete as a digital form at pell-city.com/education.

Over the past two months, the Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee, a seven-member board assembled in 2024 by the City Council, has worked to develop the application. Their process included the review of more than a dozen appointment procedures and applications from across the United States.

“The Committee has taken its assignment seriously, and its members have worked to create a robust document meant to identify those who will deliver excellence in all aspects of Pell City Schools,” said Steering Committee Chair Kelly Furgerson.

The 5-page application includes thought-provoking essay questions, educational information about board of education service in Alabama, and a thorough explanation of the local appointment process now required under Alabama Act 2024-111, which was passed last November by St. Clair County voters.

During the meeting, the Council also approved the Committee’s timeline for delivering its recommendations for appointment. In a document delivered to the City containing the Committee’s recommendations, Furgerson concluded that appointments should be made this summer.

Steering Committee Recommendations to Council

2025-2-11 – Steering Commitee Recommended Action PlanDownload

“The most critical time for a board of education member is during the late summer, especially leading into the beginning of the new school year,” the Committee’s recommendations read. “During this time, school administration is analyzing data from the previous year, setting goals for the upcoming year, and most importantly developing the budget for the year to follow.”

The City Council approved the Committee’s recommendation and adopted the following timeline to receive recommended candidates:

  • Feb. 25, 2025: Release of the official Application for Appointment
  • March 31, 2025: Close Application submissions at 5 p.m.
  • April 30, 2025: Completion of applicant review and selection of candidates for interview
  • May 24, 2025: Completion of all candidate interviews
  • June 1, 2025: Recommendation of candidates for appointment to City Council

Individuals seeking appointment to the Board of Education must submit a completed application to the City of Pell City by 5 p.m. on March 31, 2025.  Applications received after the deadline or incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Application for Appointment can be found at pell-city.com/education.

Greater Birmingham Humane Society to assume operations at Pell City Animal Control Center on April 1

In December 2024, the City of Pell City and the Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) finalized a partnership agreement to improve animal welfare in St. Clair County. On Monday, February 24, 2025, the City Council adopted the agreement and is preparing to transition operations at Pell City Animal Control Center (PCACC) to GBHS on April 1, 2025.

“The Greater Birmingham Humane Society is proud to extend our services to the Pell City Animal Control Center,” CEO Allison Black Cornelius said. “This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to improving animal welfare across Alabama. We look forward to working in partnership with Pell City and St. Clair County to provide compassionate care, essential resources, and sustainable solutions for companion animals and pet owners.”

GBHS is the largest and most impactful humane society in the state and is the premier provider of animal services in Central Alabama. Annually, GBHS provides services for more than 22,000 dogs and cats in Jefferson and Walker Counties and the City of Jasper.

For several years, the City of Pell City has sought GBHS’ influence in its animal impoundment operation.

“When the City initially reassumed operation of Pell City Animal Control Center about 10 years ago, we attempted to partner with Greater Birmingham Humane Society,” City Manager Brian Muenger told the St. Clair Commission last week. “At the time, their organization did not have the capacity.

“We’ve stayed in contact, and they’ve acted as trusted advisors. A few years ago, the City reapproached GBHS. Since then, it’s just been a matter of timing.”

With this transition, GBHS also offers to more effectively connect residents to programs designed to promote the humane treatment of animals and people through education, advocacy, and services.

  • Pet owner support programs: The GBHS Outreach Team provides support programs for pet owners facing barriers to keeping their pets.
  • Supported Self-Rehoming: The goal of Supported Self-Rehoming is to provide pet owners with resources, services, connections, and assistance to rehome their pet, without that pet having to enter the shelter.
  • Compassionate surrender programs: These offer a safe and humane option for responsible pet owners facing difficult circumstances, ensuring animals find loving new homes while minimizing stress and trauma.
  • Access to GBHS Spay/Neuter & Critical Care Clinic: The donor-purchased, state-of-the-art facility is fully staffed and provides medical services to all of GBHS’ animals.

“This ensures adherence to all applicable code requirements, while simultaneously generating new opportunities for staff and expanding our capacity to provide optimal animal care,” Muenger said.

Since 2016, PCACC has been maintained by the City of Pell City and managed by the Pell City Police Department. Transitioning operational management to a nonprofit organization with a focus on compassionate animal care offers numerous benefits:

  • GBHS specializes in shelter management and veterinary care, which will lead to improved animal health in the community.
  • PCACC joins a broad, regional network of fosters, volunteers, and fundraisers.
  • GBHS prioritizes lifesaving programs and innovative approaches to reduce euthanasia rates.
  • GBHS will facilitate increased community involvement through volunteer programs, adoption events, and educational outreach.

Throughout its near-decade of operation under the City of Pell City, the Pell City Animal Control Center has served as the only animal shelter in St. Clair County. In that time, it has made possible the adoption of 6,200 animals and facilitated the transfer of 5,300 more to animal welfare organizations.

Alongside the City, the 501c3 nonprofit organization Friends of PCACC is actively working at the Center to prepare it for the transition. The numerous projects they’ve undertaken in recent months included the installation of new outdoor spaces for potential pet adopters to socialize with animals and acquiring and installing new appliances.

“We’re excited about the opportunity, and GBHS is excited about coming out to St. Clair County,” Muenger said. “We’re eager to see the expertise they bring to the table in action.”

Pell City joins in the Alabama Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday this February

From Friday, Feb. 21, to Sunday, Feb. 23, Pell City will observe its 10th annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.

The Alabama Department of Revenue launched the tax holiday in 2012 to help residents prepare for the potential impact of seasonal storms. During this three-day tax holiday, residents are encouraged to restock emergency supplies in homes, workplaces, and vehicles.

From 12:01 a.m. Feb. 21 to midnight Feb. 23, the tax-exempt items include the following priced at $60 or less:

  • Flashlights, lanterns
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Batteries
  • First-aid kits
  • Cell phone charger
  • Two-way radios
  • Manual can openers
  • Tarps and plastic sheeting
  • Duct tape
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Tie-down kits, bungee cords or rope

Other tax-free items include: Coolers, ice packs, plywood, window film and smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors. Portable generators and power cords costing $1,000 or less are also tax free.

Many of the items that ready.gov recommends for a basic disaster supply kit are tax-free in Alabama Feb. 21-23.

Alabama Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday

EDC Celebrates City, County Growth at Annual Investor Breakfast

Elected officials and staff of the City of Pell City joined with those from other communities on Thursday, Feb. 13 for the St. Clair County Economic Development Council’s Annual Investor Breakfast.

This event provides leaders from across the county an opportunity to learn about the previous year’s progress and goals for the future related to economic development in the region.

“Pell City has been blessed to partner with the EDC on so many great projects to enrich the economy and quality of life in the Pell City community, and we look forward to building upon this incredibly beneficial relationship,” Pell City Mayor Bill Pruitt said.

From left: EDC Executive Director Don Smith, EDC Grants and Leadership Director Candace Hill, Pell City City Manager Brian Muenger, Pell City Council President Jud Alverson, EDC Tourism Coordinator Blair Goodgame, and Director of Industry & Workforce Development Jason Roberts.

EDC Executive Director Don Smith announced that since 1999 the organization has worked as part of a network of state and local partners to bring more than 8,000 new jobs to St. Clair County and assisted in creating nearly $2 billion in new investments.

And, as he told the audience, local trends show more development is on the horizon. 

“This is probably the most excited I’ve been in the past 17 years at this position because of the potential of St. Clair County right now,” Smith said. “The next 5 years could be the most transformational in county history.”

St. Clair EDC is one of several organizations supported annually by the City Council for the City of Pell City through appropriation. Its work in the areas of education and workforce development, job recruitment and retention, infrastructure development, and tourism are highly valued contributions to Pell City’s growth.

“Pell City’s leadership has put all the pieces in place to continue their City’s success,” Smith said. “We’re excited to continue working alongside their excellent team to bring their projects to fruition.”

For more on the St. Clair EDC, visit stclairedc.com.

Pell City Board of Education Appointment Process Moving Forward

Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee Chair Kelly Furgerson emphasized the importance of a timely appointment process to ensure a fair and transparent selection of new board members.

“Time is of the essence,” she stated. “Applicants need adequate time to prepare, we require time for thorough review, and most importantly, any new board members will need time to effectively assume their roles.”

Pictured during their meeting on Feb. 11, members of the Steering Committee reviewed applications and procedural documents used by appointed boards of education from across the state and nation during the process of designing a recommended application for appointment to the Pell City Board of Education.

During her initial presentation to the Pell City City Council on February 10, Furgerson outlined the Steering Committee’s plan to deliver recommended actions before the next council meeting on February 24. These recommendations will include a formal application for appointment and a proposed timeline for the recommendation process.

Furgerson acknowledged that the Steering Committee’s schedule may be more accelerated than initially anticipated.

“We aim to close the application window by the end of March,” she stated. “The Committee agrees that providing the Council with its recommendations early in the summer is the most efficient approach.”

Following the February 10 presentation, the Steering Committee held a meeting on February 11 to finalize the application for appointment. This application will be released to the public if approved by the City Council.

The public can expect to see the Steering Committee’s recommendations, including the Application for Appointment to the Pell City Board of Education, presented to the City Council at its next meeting on February 24.

City Council Meeting
Date: February 24, 2025
Time: Work Session: 5:30 PM, Meeting: 6 PM
Location: Council Chambers, City Hall, 1905 1st Ave. N, Pell City, AL 35125

Prior to its presentation to the City Council, the Steering Committee held two preliminary meetings: one in December 2024 and another in January 2025. The inaugural meeting focused on organizational matters and included an expedited review of procedural documents and application processes from appointed boards of education across the state and nation.  

The January meeting centered on a comprehensive discussion and confirmation of critical content for the Pell City Board of Education’s Application for Appointment.  

Furgerson expressed satisfaction with the application, stating, “We are pleased with the final product of our efforts.”

The Steering Committee is now eager to release the application to the public. “We are tasked with recommending exceptional candidates to lead our schools,” Furgerson emphasized. “We recognize the many qualified individuals within our community and encourage all interested parties to apply.”

Follow The City of Pell City on Facebook for regular updates about the Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee.

Board of Education Steering Committee to deliver first report to City Council

The Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee met in January, its second meeting, to review and revise a draft application for appointment to the Pell City Board of Education. The City Council anticipates a progress update from the Committee this month.

The Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee is comprised of Tammie Williams, Monique Bowman, Rusty Jessup, Jeff Jones, Cory Bline, Roland St. John, and Kelly Furgerson.

During its January meeting, the Committee organized the criteria it will use to solicit ideal applicants for the Pell City Board of Education. According to Steering Committee Chair Kelly Furgerson, the foundation of the application for appointment will use specific language about the most desirable characteristics for Pell City BOE members. These traits include:

  • Willingness to give sufficient time and effort
  • A belief in the spirit and need for public education
  • The ability to motivate other people
  • The capacity to understand people
  • The insight needed to work as part of a cooperative body
  • Devotion to the concept of a better society through education
  • Commitment to a high expectation for student achievement
  • Commitment to a high expectation for quality instruction
  • The ability to define a vision for excellence and the goals for its achievement

Committee members are fully engaged and moving quickly. Their work has focused on creating the draft application for appointment and timeline. When ready, both will be presented to the City Council and, if approved, released to the public.

The Committee report to the City Council is expected to include actionable recommendations for the next steps in transitioning the Board of Education from an elected to an appointed board.

About the Steering Committee

The City Council appointed the seven Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee members in October 2024. The Steering Committee is comprised of Tammie Williams, Monique Bowman, Rusty Jessup, Jeff Jones, Cory Bline, Roland St. John, and Kelly Furgerson.

Among other responsibilities, the Committee was tasked with interviewing and recommending future members of the Pell City Board of Education to the City Council for appointment. Its members are serving an initial term of two years.

Members of the Steering Committee committed to drafting an application that reflects their intentions of recommending the best possible candidates for appointment to the Pell City Board of Education.

Steering Committee Activity

  • December 17, 2024: Organizational Meeting
  • January 23, 2025: Application Roundtable

The Steering Committee was activated in November 2024 and held its organizational meeting at the close of the year. During the meeting, Committee members reviewed applications for Board member appointments from across the nation.

Committee members met in January to discuss the application for appointment, consider applicant criteria, and suggest information and questions that should be included in the final document.

“The members of the Steering Committee are committed to a transparent and thorough process for recommending the very best individuals to serve on our Board of Education,” said Furgerson, who was elected Chair of the Committee during the initial meeting. “We take our responsibility seriously and are dedicated to ensuring the application process is fair, equitable, and accessible to all qualified candidates.”

About the Appointed Board of Education

Amendment 1, proposed by Sen. Lance Bell, sought to correct education governance issues in St. Clair County by converting the Pell City Board of Education from elected to appointed. This change was approved by St. Clair County voters in the November 2024 General Election. Appointments will be made by the City Council.

The measure dictates that at least two members of the appointed Board must reside in the county portion of the Pell City Schools Attendance Zone and Tax District, which includes the areas of Riverside, New London, and Cook Springs, among others.

The Board of Education plays a vital role in shaping the future of our community by overseeing the district’s educational policies and ensuring the success of the district’s more than 4,000 students. Those interested in an appointment to the Board are encouraged to follow the City’s official communication channels for updated information.

Council welcomes Municipal Judge Phil Seay

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, the City of Pell City welcomed Municipal Judge Phil Seay to the bench at City Hall.

Judge Seay was appointed to the position by the City Council during its regular meeting on January 13. He retired as Presiding Circuit Judge for St. Clair County on Jan. 20. Seay has served as a judge in St. Clair County for the past 20 years.

Pell City Municipal Judge Phil Seay

During his tenure, Judge Seay made a considerable impact on the St. Clair County Court System. Among many other accomplishments, he launched the county’s first Juvenile Drug Court, established a Community Corrections program, and created a dedicated domestic violence docket. 

Seay serves on several community boards of directors in Pell City and St. Clair County, including Lakeside Hospice, St. Clair County Day Program, the St. Clair County Children’s Police Council, the Coosa Valley Youth Services Board, the St. Clair County Boys and Girls Club Advisory Board, and the Pell City DARE Board.

He previously served as president of the Pell City Kiwanis Club, the Pell City Chamber of Commerce, and the Logan Martin Red Elephant Club. Seay also served as chairman for the St. Clair County GOP, and a member of the Alabama GOP Executive Committee.

Judge Seay was selected as Trial Judge of the Year by the Alabama Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates in November 2024.

Seay replaces Judge James Hill, who was sworn in as St. Clair County Circuit Judge, also on Jan. 21. Hill served as Pell City Municipal Judge from October 2024 to January 2025. 

Judge Hill was appointed to replace outgoing Judge Brandi Hufford, who was sworn in as St. Clair County District Judge on October 15, 2024.

Judge Hufford was appointed to the position of Pell City Municipal Judge following the retirement of Judge Van Davis in 2018.

Pell City Municipal Court convenes Tuesdays at City Hall at 2 p.m.

Dancing with our Stars 2025 set for March 1 at CEPA

Dancing With Our Stars, the annual tradition where the area’s best and boldest dancers come together for a cause, returns to CEPA in Pell City on March 1. 

This annual event, now in its 11th year, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support organizations like the Pell City Police Department, Pell City Fire Department, and the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office. Each year, the Pell City Line Dancers, long led by director Doris Munkus, turn their love of dancing into a fundraising effort for all kinds of good things in the community.

Sponsorships are still available at three levels: Friend Sponsor ($750), Championship Sponsor ($1,000), and Hero Sponsor ($1,500). All packages include event seating and promotional considerations.

Tickets are $30 online at pellcitycepa.com/tickets or $35 at the door.

To register dancers, purchase tickets or sponsorships, or make other donations, contact Munkus at (205) 473-4063 or email dorito30711@gmail.com.

Boots and Bows: 2025 Rotary Father Daughter Dance arrives Feb. 8

Now in its 10th year, the Father-Daughter Dance returns to Pell City on Feb. 8 with an exciting new theme: Boots and Bows (Plus a Little Disco).

Hosted annually by the Pell City Rotary Club, this year’s dance promises to delight couples (or trios and beyond) with a blend of country charm and disco sparkle.

Rotarians transform Pell City High School into a gala event venue, serve dance attendees dinner, and offer plenty of music and dancing throughout the night. The entire evening is dedicated to fathers and daughters making memories together that last a lifetime.

Proceeds from the event support the Pell City Rotary Foundation, which provides numerous community grants each year to organizations such as The Children’s Place, Pell City School System, Lakeside Hospice, Pell City Police Department, and many more.

Last year, Pell City Rotary partnered with the City of Pell City to finalize downtown streetscape improvements, installing 20 black, cast-iron benches and 11 matching litter containers along Cogswell Ave.

City, Rotary partner to finalize downtown streetscape improvements

Space is limited, so buy your tickets now! Tickets are $30 per couple ($15 for each additional child) or $40 at the door ($20 for each additional child) and include music, finger foods, party favors, and photographs. 

They can be purchased at Metro Bank in Pell City, Pell City Coffee Company, online at pellcityrotary.com, pellcitycepa.com/tickets, or by contacting Meg Clements at (205) 812-5187.

Statement from the City of Pell City: Misinformation is not helpful to our shared goal of saving animal lives

The City of Pell City is grateful to all who reached out to us in response to a recent social media post regarding the Pell City Animal Control Center. We received many offers to help, and we heard many ideas that could improve animal welfare in St. Clair County. For those, we’re very thankful.

PCACC is St. Clair County’s only animal shelter, serving around 275 animals a month. In 2024, intake reached a historic low, while adoptions reached the highest rate ever at PCACC.

Over the past 8 years, more than 5,000 animals have found forever homes thanks to animal rescue organizations that partner with the Center. These organizations will continue to be part of our strategy.

Recently, there have been some concerning allegations we would like to address. Widespread misinformation (represented below in bold) is not helpful to our shared goal of saving animal lives.

$50 “pull fees” are harmful to rescue organizations. This information is being misrepresented. Rescue fees are not charged in most circumstances.

Our new procedures are part of a greater improvement plan for PCACC that intends to increase efficiency through digitization, organization, and improved communication.

Rescue fees have been in place since 2017 to offset treatment provided at the shelter. A $50 pull fee is meant for the most adoptable animals, who have received full veterinary care. Many partners will pay a $25 fee, which is less than the schedule set in 2017. And in many cases, there will be no charge for organizations assisting us in finding homes for animals.

This information has been communicated to all current and prospective rescue partners. Rescue organizations can find registration and animal pull forms at pell-city.com/adopt.

PCACC does not provide adequate medical care or food for animals. All animals receive personalized treatment daily. They are also fed daily an amount appropriate for their weight.

Conditions at PCACC are inhumane. We are aware of the need for minor cosmetic maintenance, which has been reported. These areas do not impact the Shelter’s ability to provide humane treatment. All animals at PCACC are treated with the utmost care.

Pell City is seeking to make a profit from the Center. More than 90 percent of the Center’s annual funding comes from the City and other local government partners. Fees and donations account for less than 10 percent of the Center’s budget. The Center is projected to lose $42,000 in 2025, absorbed by the City of Pell City.

For those asking what you can do to help, first and foremost, spay and neuter your pets, and encourage others to do the same. Animal intake at the shelter declined last year, and we want to see that trend continue.

Second, volunteer or foster. PCACC is always open to help from caring citizens looking to assist in our efforts to provide the best possible animal care. You can find registration forms at pell-city.com/adopt.

Each of your messages and emails has been received and read, and we thank you again for reaching out. We appreciate this community’s dedication to animal welfare and our shared mission at PCACC to save lives.