The Pell City Police Department is issuing an urgent warning about a phone scam targeting residents and local businesses. Callers, impersonating police officers, are using threats and fear to trick people into sending them money.
The scam works like this: a caller from a local number claims that an individual has a warrant for a missed court date. They threaten that if a fine isn’t paid immediately, an officer will come to the person’s home or workplace to arrest them, and they’ll be held without bond.
This scam was recently used against a local business, Gilreath Printing. According to Jeremiah Gilreath, the caller demanded a bail payment for an employee. The scammer first told them to come to the police station, but then offered a suspicious alternative: paying bail through Venmo.
“That was the first red flag,” Gilreath said.
The scammers are going to great lengths to appear legitimate. When Gilreath called the number back, a recording answered, “Hello, you’ve reached the Pell City Police Department.” The scammer then falsely claimed the department was working with the Department of Justice and that Venmo payments were a “new standard operating procedure.”
“It sounded legit until you start asking questions,” Gilreath warned. “Just be aware.”
“These scammers are preying on people’s trust in law enforcement,” Chief Morris said. “Let me be clear: the Pell City Police Department will never call you and ask for money. We do not use digital payment apps like Venmo for fines or bail. This is not how we operate, and we urge everyone to be vigilant.”
To protect yourself and our community:
The Pell City Police Department will NEVER call you and ask for money.
PCPD will NOT call you to inform you about a missed court date or an outstanding warrant.
PCPD does NOT accept bail or fine payments via digital services like Venmo.
If you receive a suspicious call, do not give out any personal information or money. Hang up and contact the Pell City Police Department directly at (205) 884-3334 to verify the information.
A striking new mural is now complete in downtown Pell City. Spearheaded by Michelle and Craig Tumlin in collaboration with Houston Project, a local nonprofit dedicated to veteran advocacy, the mural is a bold statement.
Located at 1922 Cogswell Avenue on the exterior wall facing 20th Street, it depicts an American flag flying. Two soldiers, one male and one female, stand in crisp salute, their profiles a silhouette against the backdrop. Below them, a simple, yet profound, message is written: “Never Forgotten.”
“The project started a couple of years back,” said Michelle Tumlin, founder of Houston Project. “I would see murals all over the place, and I love them. I had a vision for the Houston Project to have a mural to honor not only Houston but also all heroes.”
Tumlin said the process involved financial considerations (“Murals are expensive,” she said), finding the right artist, and meeting with the building owner before going through the City’s application process.
The artist is Mallory Walls of MALLK ARTISTRY LLC, a Pell City resident during her high school years and a graduate of Victory Christian School. Walls has completed over 40 murals since 2021.
“She’s the perfect artist,” Tumlin said.
Joanna Hagan owns the building, and the mural is funded entirely by Houston Project.
“This is the first large mural in downtown Pell City,” City Manager Brian Muenger said. “It should encourage others to bring new concepts to our Planning and Zoning Commission that will enhance the community and attract more visitors. We’re extremely supportive of Michelle and this project.”
“I pray others will follow,” Tumlin said. “We have so many walls that are blank canvases. My vision has always been a bright and vibrant downtown full of life and character. This is a great start.”
Mallory Walls, originally from Boaz and now based in Glendale, Arizona, is a self-taught artist. She is a graduate of Victory Christian School in Pell City, and is a 2023 graduate of Auburn University with a degree in healthcare.
Walls recently launched her career as a full-time artist, which has taken her across the country in a short span. Her work has largely focused on the Southeast, especially Tennessee and Alabama.
Walls is also responsible for the vibrant murals inside Victory Christian School and Church.
The Houston Project is a Pell City-based nonprofit organization founded by Michelle and Craig Tumlin in March 2022, exactly one year after her son, Houston Lee Tumlin, died by suicide at the age of 28.
Houston Tumlin was a veteran who served nearly six years in the U.S. Army as an E-5 Sergeant in the 101st Airborne Division. After his military service, he struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Houston Project was created in his honor to be Houston’s voice and to raise money and awareness about the mental battles veterans face. The organization operates a storefront in downtown Pell City, owned by the Tumlin family, which sells various products. All profits from these sales benefit local veterans and their families, helping to meet their needs.
Pell City Police Department is excited to invite the community to its annual Public Safety Night. This event is designed to provide residents with valuable safety education, foster positive relationships with first responders, and offer a fun-filled evening for the whole family.
The event will be held in the Martin’s Family Clothing parking lot at 813 Martin Street S. on Tuesday, October 28 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
The primary goal of Public Safety Night is to educate the City’s residents about important safety topics such as home safety, fire prevention, and emergency preparedness. First responders will be on hand to provide demonstrations, answer questions, and offer tips on how to stay safe.
“Public Safety Night is a special event that brings our community together to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our first responders,” Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris said. “It’s a chance for all of us to show our appreciation for the men and women who risk their lives every day to keep us safe.”
In addition to safety education, the event will feature a variety of activities for all ages. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore first responder vehicles, enjoy free food and games, and participate in a trunk or treat.
“I encourage everyone to come out and join us for this event,” Morris said. “Let’s show our support, build stronger relationships, and create a safer, more connected community.”
The fourth-annual Boo Bash on Logan Martin takes to our local waters on Oct. 5, 2025. The City of Pell City is proud to be a partner of this year’s event as it seeks to engage our community while supporting an impactful nonprofit organization, the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association (LMLPA).
Pell City Parks and Recreation Employees gear up for Boo Bash 2024 and stop on the route at Lakeside Park. The City of Pell City partnered with the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association for the event on Oct. 5.
According to organizers Kelli Lasseter and Sonya Hubbard, Boo Bash is a “dockside trick-or-treat spooktacular hosted by families and local businesses along Logan Martin Lake.” On October 5 from noon until 4 PM, all across the lake, families in costume will be treated to a different Halloween experience at each dock they visit.
The event, which began in 2022, increased by more than 1,000 participants in its second year and has grown each year since. Now on its fourth year, Lasseter and Hubbard have solidified their efforts to engage, grow and protect the lake community by giving back in a big way.
“Thanks to our amazing sponsors, this year Boo Bash on Logan Martin was able to raise more than $14,000 last year,” Lasseter said. “These donations are more than enough to meet our main goal of supporting the LMLPA in adding 10 new hazard buoys to Logan Martin Lake.”
LMLPA President Neal Stephenson said the organization launched its Buoy Program in 2019 in partnership with Alabama Marine Police/ALEA. Among its many other efforts to protect Logan Martin, LMLPA relies on donations and volunteers to install lighted navigation buoys around the lake to enhance and encourage recreational boating safety.
The City Council of Pell City approved a 2025 land-use agreement with LMLPA at its July 14 regular meeting. Aided by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, Lakeside Park will be the home of the organization’s awareness and fundraising efforts during the event.
Boaters can expect an even more exciting stop on the route this year as City employees from Parks & Rec and the Pell City Library join the LMLPA in creating a new spooky scene at the Park featuring games, photo booths, food trucks, and giveaways.
The St. Clair County Farmers Market continues to offer a vibrant atmosphere every week at Lakeside Park in Pell City.
The event, now in its 16th year, has moved locations from the Avondale Mills walking track. It’s filled with dozens of local and regional vendors every Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Lakeside Park, located near the boat launch at 2801 Stemley Bridge Rd. The market runs weekly through the end of September.
Organized by the St. Clair County Extension Office, the Market offers a wide variety of locally sourced goods. Visitors can find fresh produce, farm eggs, local honey, homemade breads, sweet treats, fresh meats and Gulf seafood, plants, mushrooms, seasonings, sauces, and even pet treats.
The City’s Parks and Recreation Department assists with market setup, and the City supports the event and its use of Lakeside Park.
Special for Kids: Veggie Bucks Program: Children ages 5–12 can receive “Veggie Bucks” from the Extension Tent at the Farmers Market. This program encourages children to explore the market and select their own fresh produce or local honey, promoting healthy food choices.
The City of Pell City is proud to announce the successful completion of its Fiscal Year 2024 audit, revealing strong financial performance and a healthy outlook for the City. This marks the 10th consecutive year of growth in the City’s General Fund Balance.
The audit, presented by Brian Muenger, City Manager, to the City Council on July 14, 2025, received an unmodified opinion from auditors Bain & Company, P.C., with no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies identified.
“The fundamentals of the audit report are strong, particularly when considering the approximately $5 million in one-time expenses incurred by the City during this term,” Muenger said.
The audit highlights several impressive achievements for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024:
The city’s main fund brought in $1.9 million more than expected, exceeding projections by 5.5%.
After all expenses and special one-time costs, the city’s income exceeded expenditures by $2.28.
The city’s savings grew to $38.9 million, which is enough to cover almost 18 months of operating expenses.
The Utility Fund, which manages water and sewer services, had a strong year with $2.8 million in operating income, boosting its total position to $11.8 million.
Overall, the city’s government finances improved by $6.7 million (a 9% increase), and the Utility Fund’s finances improved by $2.6 million (a 28% increase).
Muenger commended Finance Director Teresa Brakefield and her staff for the timely completion of the audit despite significant adversity and an earlier deadline than in prior years.
Pell City is pursuing a critical project designed to improve utility service for residents of the Rosedale Community and nearby areas by installing and connecting them to an upgraded water line.
During its regular meeting on July 14, 2025, the City Council for the City of Pell City held a public hearing about the project. The City aims to secure a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) to replace an aging water main.
“The Rosedale Subdivision is currently connected to the core of the City’s water system by a 6-inch water main, which is both outdated and undersized,” City Manager Brian Muenger told the Council. The application proposes that this line be replaced with an 8-inch ductile iron main.”
Above, a map of proposed improvements to the City of Pell City Utility System that would benefit residents in the Rosedale Subdivision. The new 8-inch waterline is marked in yellow.
If approved, this upgrade will boost water flow and reliability for residents and support future growth. The new 8-inch main will run about 4,400 linear feet, from Rosedale Drive to the northern boundary of 14th Street and through 7th Alley. The project includes installing water valves, service connections, fire hydrants, and related components.
Recently, Council Member Ivi Wilson held a public meeting to discuss ways in which the residents of the Rosedale and other District 2 neighborhoods could begin preparing their property for future development. Increasing the capacity of utility services provides developers with an additional incentive to consider investing in these areas of the city.
Installation of the 8-inch main is estimated at $600,400. The maximum CDBG award is $500,000, so Pell City must provide a matching $100,400. This local contribution will come from departmental reserves and capital improvement fees. If awarded the grant, the City will also cover survey, engineering, legal, and grant administration fees.
A mandatory public hearing for the grant application was held at 6 p.m. on July 14, 2025, during the Council meeting. No public comments were received. The city is eligible to apply for the current CDBG grant cycle; applications are due July 23rd.
Since 2020, more than 750 new homes have been built in the City of Pell City, and hundreds more will be going up soon. Acknowledging this rapid growth, and in the interest of safeguarding the unique character of the community, the City Council for the City of Pell City has temporarily paused new applications for high-density residential developments.
During its regular meeting on July 14, 2025, the City Council for the City of Pell City approved a six-month moratorium on new plat applications for R-3 and R-4 zoning designations, the city’s highest-density residential zones. These designations cover single-family attached dwellings (townhouses), multi-family housing (apartments and condominiums), and other higher-density residential developments.
Oak Village, a new subdivision of more than 200 single-family homes off Florida Road, is an example of R-4 Zoning in the City of Pell City. Approved projects in Pell City, including Oak Village, will not be impacted by the moratorium. Applications for similar developments have been paused to allow the City to refine its regulations.
Subdivision proposals containing 3 or fewer lots that contain no public improvements are exempt, and the moratorium does apply to any previously authorized plats or ongoing development within existing subdivisions. This decision allows the city to refine its growth management strategies and evaluate its comprehensive plan, a process meant to ensure future development meets community expectations for quality and design.
“Put simply, the current regulatory framework of the City does not provide the Planning Commission or City staff with the tools necessary to ensure development that meets the desired standard of the community,” City Manager Brian Muenger said. “It is recommended that the Council authorize a temporary and targeted pause on these areas of concern, during which time staff can work with the Planning Commission to refine and improve the regulations governing these activities.”
This decision not only protects the City from immediate strain on utility systems, but it also addresses a concern expressed numerous times by Pell City Board of Education candidates during public interviews last month.
“It’s great to see our City growing. People are flocking to Pell City,” recently appointed Board of Education member Jarrett Jacobs said during his interview on June 16. “But with that comes more kids. We have got to be prepared to accommodate more children.”
Addressing Metal-Clad Buildings
An example of a metal-clad residential structure that will be impacted by the moratorium. The City intends to update regulations to prevent these buildings, which lack architectural features, from being built in residential or commercial areas alongside structures with higher architectural standards.
In addition to the residential plat moratorium, the Council has also enacted a temporary six-month moratorium on the construction or expansion of metal-clad buildings in residential and most commercial zoning districts. This decision comes in response to concerns from citizens about these structures, particularly those near existing homes, businesses, and historically significant areas.
The City’s Comprehensive Plan emphasizes aesthetic cohesiveness and the protection of existing character. However, current regulations only address construction manner and use, not appearance or construction type beyond basic building codes. This has led to situations where metal-clad buildings, lacking architectural features, could be built alongside structures with higher architectural standards.
The moratorium defines a “metal-clad building” as a principal structure where the majority of its exterior surface is metal. It applies to properties zoned for Residential and Commercial use but exempts B-3 (Heavy Business), M-1 (Light Manufacturing), and M-2 (Heavy Manufacturing) industrial or heavy business districts.
The Planning Commission will also temporarily review Conditional Use applications for R-A zoned properties proposing such development. This pause will enable city staff and the Planning Commission to develop regulations that provide the necessary tools to ensure development meets the community’s desired aesthetic standards.
The City of Pell City is proud to partner again with Coosa Riverkeeper to support the organization’s 2025 Swim Guide.
The Swim Guide provides easily understood water quality results for popular swimming spots each week during the summer. This information allows residents and visitors to make informed decisions about when and where it is safe to swim.
Coosa Riverkeeper regularly tests the water in Logan Martin Lake for contaminants like E. coli bacteria, which can cause illness. These bacteria can enter the water from various sources, particularly after heavy rainfall. The results of these tests allow residents and visitors to make informed decisions about when and where it is safe to swim, which can reduce health risks.
Understanding the Swim Guide is as easy as understanding a traffic light:
Green: Water meets safety standards.
Yellow: Elevated bacteria levels. Use caution when swimming.
Red: High bacteria levels. Avoid swimming.
The City of Pell City supports Coosa Riverkeeper because their work directly contributes to safeguarding the health of you and your family when you visit the lake. Our goal is for everyone to enjoy Logan Martin Lake safely.
Before you enter the water, always check the Swim Guide. Visit https://coosariver.org/swimguide/or download the free Swim Guide app on your smartphone.
Today, July 1, 2025, the City Council for the City of Pell City made appointments to the Pell City Board of Education for the first time in more than 30 years.
The result will be a Board that represents all students enrolled in the Pell City School System. Beginning in November 2025, for the first time since the district was created in 1982, St. Clair County residents who live in the St. Clair County portion of the Pell City Schools Attendance Zone will have voting representation, a true voice in the future of the system.
“This school system is important,” Council President Jud Alverson told the audience at City Hall. “We have got to come together as a community. We’ve got to get behind these people, and we’ve got to get behind Superintendent Dr. Justin Burns.
“To the people appointed tonight, you’ve got a big job in front of you,” he continued. “It is time for a different trajectory for this school system. It is time for a new vision.”
On July 1, 2025, the City Council for the City of Pell City appointed (front row, from left) Matt Moon, Eddie Wilson, Dr. Gary London, Jarrett Jacobs, and Ryan Abernathy to the Pell City Board of Education.
Community-Wide Representation
The two Attendance Zone residents appointed to the Board are Jarrett Jacobs and Ryan Abernathy.
Jacobs, a vice president in the transportation industry with over 20 years of management experience, brings decision-making and oversight skills, coupled with deep community ties. His goal is to foster an environment that attracts and supports excellent educators.
“Around 54 percent of the students at Pell City Schools live in the County,” Jacobs said. “They’re my friends and neighbors, and I’m excited and eager to hear their ideas and represent them on this Board. My commitment is to work hand-in-hand with them and the City Council to actively shape the future of our schools.”
Ryan Abernathy, a director in the construction sector with extensive experience in federal public service and private industry, offers a strong understanding of operations, human resources, and business growth. He aims to ensure the school system effectively represents county-zoned students and residents, emphasizing strong leadership, academic excellence, and planning for growth.
“I’m honored by this appointment,” Abernathy said. “It’s an exciting opportunity to make sure all our students are represented as we work together to build a strong future for Pell City Schools. We need the entire community involved to achieve excellence, and I’m ready to contribute to that shared goal.”
In addition to Jacobs and Abernathy, the City Council also appointed three Pell City residents to the Board of Education: Eddie Wilson, Dr. Gary London, and Matt Moon.
Key Strengths of City Appointees
Eddie Wilson’s background in account management and strategic advising, including guiding a seminary to financial stability, offers a unique leadership approach that emphasizes service and collaboration.
Dr. Gary London Sr. brings expertise in the education field, along with experience in strategic planning, financial analysis, and data-driven improvement.
Matt Moon, President of Vulcan Industries, provides proven experience in leading diverse teams and managing businesses, with a clear focus on accountability and student success.
Collectively, these appointments enhance the Board’s capacity in areas critical for the school system, including financial stewardship, strategic partnerships, and operational excellence.
Selection Process
During its Special Called Meeting on July 1, City Manager Brian Muenger announced that the Board appointments listed in Resolution 2025-56 were decided from aggregated results of a confidential ranking system. Each Council member individually selected their top finalists, organized by City and Attendance Zone, and submitted them to City Attorney John Rea.
“The City Council committed to this system as a fair method of determining who was best qualified to serve our students and community,” Muenger said. “Given the exceptional caliber of all 18 finalists, it was essential to establish a consensus for the appointments.”
Each appointed member was assigned a term based on the results.
Staggered Terms
Under Amendment 1018 (Local Amendment 1), the five members of the Board have been appointed to staggered terms as follows:
Name of Appointee
Initial Term Length
Initial Term Ends
Eddie Wilson
5 years
June 2030
Matt Moon
4 years
June 2029
Jarrett Jacobs
3 years
June 2028
Dr. Gary London, Sr.
2 years
June 2027
Ryan Abernathy
1 year
June 2026
Moving forward, the application and appointment process for the Pell City Board of Education will occur annually. In accordance with Alabama Law, one Board of Education member’s term will expire each year. The Council will appoint an individual to the expired seat in April, with the new Board member beginning their 5-year term in June.
Appointed Leadership
The Pell City School System was first created in October 1981, with its Board of Education members appointed by the City Council until 1992. At that time, a local constitutional amendment transitioned the Board to an elected body, with members chosen by voters within Pell City’s corporate limits.
Over the years, the Pell City School Attendance Zone and Tax District expanded to include unincorporated areas of St. Clair County served by the school system. However, residents from the County portion of the Attendance Zone were not eligible to serve on the Board.
In 2024, approximately 14,000 St. Clair County residents zoned for Pell City schools lacked voting representation on the Board of Education
Recognizing the importance of full community representation, the Pell City Board of Education unanimously requested legislation that would return it to an appointed board with at least two members from the Attendance Zone. This vision was supported by the City Council and overwhelmingly approved by St. Clair County voters as Alabama Act-111 (Local Amendment 1) in November 2024.
The appointment process, a comprehensive effort beginning in October 2024, saw the City Council first name and activate the Pell City Board of Education Steering Committee. It meticulously developed and finalized the application and selection process by February 2025, which the Council approved.
Following the public release of the application, 47 highly qualified candidates submitted their materials by March 31, 2025. The Steering Committee then rigorously reviewed applications, selected 18 finalists by May, and conducted joint interviews with the City Council from June 16-18, ultimately recommending the finalists to the Council on June 27, 2025.
Mayor Bill Pruitt and each member of the City Council offered high praise to each member of the Steering Committee at the meeting for providing their time, effort, and dedication.
