On Monday, September 22, 2025, the City Council for the City of Pell City officially approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which will make improvements across the City with a special emphasis on public safety.
The approved plan includes a significant increase in Pell City Fire Department staffing, adding three new Firefighter-Medic positions, as well as additional Captain and Lieutenant positions, adding approximately $228,000 to the Fire Department personnel budget.
“We’re adding critical front-line positions that will provide a direct impact on the safety of our community and residents,” Pell City Fire Chief Tim Kurzejeski said. “This is a vital investment in the priority we place on public safety and providing the best fire and EMS services possible.”
Overall, new and reclassified positions across the City represent an increase in personnel spending by more than $700,000 for FY 2026.
Breakdown of Spending
The approved budget for the upcoming fiscal year forecasts total General Fund revenues of $39.3 million, with projected expenditures of $34.8 million. This conservative spending outlook is meant to ensure ample funding for capital investments and project implementation.
Here’s a look at the estimated total costs for some departments:
Fire: $5.8M
Police: $6.8M
Parks & Recreation: $4M
Street: $2.9M
Utilities: $4.9M
The budget also includes the following:
Funding for 9 new positions
The City’s absorption of a 4.75% increase in employee health insurance premiums
A Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) of 3% for eligible personnel
Appropriations funding for nonprofit partners, including $6M to the Pell City School System and more than $200,000 to other local organizations
Council member Jay Jenkins highlighted the importance of the City’s investment in personnel, stating, “Our city’s most important asset is our employees. They are the backbone of our community, and it’s our responsibility to ensure we are investing in them.”
City’s Financial Health
Despite ongoing capital projects, the City’s reserve fund remains significantly above the 2023 baseline. The approved budget forecasts that revenue will exceed expenditures by more than $4.4 million in the upcoming fiscal year.
As has been the case in previous years, this revenue surplus is allocated to the City’s Capital Projects Fund. This Fund most recently allowed for property purchases and construction projects, including the new Pell City Police Station and Pell City Fire Station No. 2, without the City taking on additional debt.
“This budget demonstrates the City’s focus on improving the level of service to our citizens, balancing the long-term fiscal health of the City with immediate needs,” City Manager Brian Muenger said.
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.
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.
On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, qualifying officially opened for municipal races in Pell City. The general municipal election is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
Individuals interested in running for the offices of Mayor or City Council must qualify by 5 PM on June 24, 2025. Qualifying forms are available from the municipal clerk at City Hall, located at 1905 First Ave. N, Pell City, AL 35125. Candidates are also required to file a Statement of Economic Interests form with the Alabama Ethics Commission to appear on the ballot.
The following candidates have qualified to run:
Mayor – Bill Pruitt
District No. 1 – Jay Jenkins
District No. 2 – Ivi McDaniel Wilson
District No. 3 – Blaine Henderson
District No. 4 – Jason Mitcham
District No. 5 – Jud Alverson
This post will be updated as additional information becomes available.
June 9, 2025 Meeting Report: City Council, City of Pell City
Pell City is making strides on two significant utility capital projects, though progress on both has been slower than initially anticipated.
During the regular meeting of the City Council for the City of Pell City on June 9, 2025, City Manager Brian Muenger and Utility Manager James Hadaway provided updates, noting that both projects are now officially underway following initial mobilization.
The Eden Lift Station and Force Main sewer project has shown tangible progress. Approximately 2,200 linear feet of sewer force main have been installed, and clearing of the main’s path is complete. Significant rock has been encountered in both the force main installation and the lift station excavation, slowing progress.
Construction of the new lift station is slated to begin next week, weather permitting. To date, $2.01 million of the $6.17 million project budget has been drawn down, with permits for a crucial railroad crossing still being finalized, potentially incurring additional costs due to railroad coverage requirements.
This project began on January 6, 2025, with a mandatory completion date of July 8, 2026. Despite the slower pace, officials anticipate an increase in work speed as excavation is largely complete.
The Well A to Wood Hill water main extension project has recently seen mobilization within the last two weeks, with materials delivered to the job site. While excavation and installation have not yet begun, a drawdown of funds for June is expected. The project, awarded at $2.6 million, commenced on April 14, 2025, with an estimated completion by April 14, 2026, leaving approximately 312 days for completion.
New Boundary – Avondale Walking Track Property
Pell City is considering a property exchange with Vintage Resources, Inc. to resolve an inconsistent boundary line near the Avondale Walking Track. The issue, identified before the city’s purchase of the track property in December 2024, stems from the current line not aligning with the natural boundary of a creek.
Currently, Vintage Resources’ property extends into the city’s parcel west of the creek, while a portion of the city’s property extends east across the creek, which is essentially a remnant and not practically usable by the city. The proposed exchange would involve the city trading 1.1 acres for 1.06 acres, effectively using the creek as the new boundary.
Bid Award – Golf Course Road Watermain Extension
Pell City is advancing a vital infrastructure upgrade with the replacement of a section of the 12-inch water main on Golf Course Road. Following the opening of bids on June 5, 2025, Ferguson Waterworks submitted the lowest and most responsible proposal at $295,830.38. This bid, which was within the anticipated range, covers 5,000 linear feet of 12-inch ductile iron water main, gate valves, fire hydrants, and associated fittings.
This essential project, funded through the FY25 operating budget, will see City employees replacing approximately 5,000 feet of the outdated 8-inch and 12-inch PVC mains, which have reached the end of their service life and frequently cause disruptive breaks.
Once the new 12-inch main is operational, the older 8-inch line will be decommissioned. With materials expected to be available within 40 days of approval, the Utility Department aims to substantially complete this work within the current fiscal year.
The City Council for the City of Pell City meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. A work session is held at 5:30 p.m., and the meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the James O. McGowan Council Chambers located at City Hall, 1905 First Ave. N, Pell City AL 35125.
The City Council of the City of Pell City will not participate in a Superintendent search led by the current Board of Education, and it requests that the current Board not appoint the next Superintendent for Pell City Schools.
In a Special Called Meeting on Monday, April 21, 2025, the City Council passed Resolution 2025-36 in a 5-0 vote. The resolution can be read here:
In Resolution 2025-36, the City Council resolves that allowing the outgoing board to appoint the superintendent would undermine the will of the voters who approved Amendment 1018 to the Constitution of Alabama (Local Amendment 1) and disenfranchise the incoming board members from participating in this critical decision. The message is simplified as follows:
Choosing a superintendent is the most important decision for a Board of Education.
Under Local Constitutional Amendment 1, the City Council will appoint the next Board in a matter of months.
The Board composition WILL change, with at least two new members who are County residents.
This year marks the first time County residents who attend PCSS will have a voice in the selection of their leader.
A Board that fully represents the entire school community should make this decision.
As stated in Resolution 2025-36, “… it would be unfair and inequitable if the current Board of Education selected the next Superintendent days or weeks before the first Board of Education members from the County portion of the Pell City School System take office. Such a result would clearly undermine the intent of the voters when they approved Local Constitutional Amendment 1.”
The resolution raises other reasons for postponing this decision, including consideration for potential candidates for the Superintendent position. The City Council believes that candidates of the highest quality might not apply since, at this time, they cannot know who they will be working for in November.
In support of Local Constitutional Amendment 1 and its purpose, the City Council opposes any action by the current Board of Education to hire a superintendent for Pell City Schools.
