The City of Pell City is proud to welcome the 2025 Clear Water Alabama Seminar to town today and tomorrow, September 24-25. The event, which will explore how Alabama’s diverse landscapes affect stormwater management, is being hosted at the Pell City Civic Center.
“The City of Pell City is honored to host this important event,” Mayor Bill Pruitt told participants on Wednesday morning in a welcome address. “The work you do to protect our natural resources is crucial for the future of our state, and is especially important for Lake Logan Martin.”
The seminar focuses on critical topics like erosion and sediment control and stormwater management. With more than 160 experts registered to attend, this event highlights the vital importance of protecting our natural resources. Experts will even discuss how to stabilize shorelines on Alabama lakes by participating in demonstrations at Lakeside Park and the Pell City Sports Complex.
“Pell City is a place where landscapes converge, from the Piedmont to the Appalachian foothills, and that’s reflected in the biodiversity and ecology here,” said Ashley Henderson, Assistant Executive Director of the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee.
From left, St. Clair EMA Deputy Director Charity Mitcham, Pell City Mayor Bill Pruitt, and Ashley Henderson, Assistant Executive Director of the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee.
The City of Pell City is grateful for the opportunity to host these professionals who are dedicated to the preservation of Alabama’s diverse landscapes and water resources. We extend a special thank you to the St. Clair EMA and St. Clair Conservation District for their hard work in organizing this impactful event. We also want to thank the Pell City Parks and Recreation staff for their dedication in setting up and managing the event at our Civic Center.
Finally, we want to thank our residents for their patience. The Civic Center is closed today and tomorrow for the conference and will reopen on Thursday, September 24 at 3 p.m.
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.
Valtir, a premier manufacturer of highway safety products with a facility in the Pell City Industrial Park, has made a donation of 40 plastic ACZ barriers to the City of Pell City. The equipment, worth “tens of thousands of dollars,” according to Pell City Street Superintendent Greg Gossett, is a significant upgrade from the City’s current equipment.
Pell City Street Department staff Stephen Dill, Jonathan Campbell, Wesley Angel, Greg Gossett, BJ Rawson, Fred Buse, Terry Pate, John McCutcheon, and Pete Tray. Photo by Joshua Clemons.
The barriers, originally manufactured for use as crash cushions, will serve a new purpose by helping the city manage traffic and pedestrian flow at a variety of public events. They can be placed end-to-end to create a continuous barrier, making them ideal for occasions such as the annual parades and the Downtown Block Party.
Valtir representative John Higgins said the barriers were obsolete from their inventory and were no longer being sold. Instead of recycling or scrapping the materials, Valtir chose to donate them to the city, which has previously utilized similar donated items.
“This donation from Valtir is an excellent example of a local company investing directly back into our community,” Mayor Bill Pruitt said. “These barriers will be a tremendous asset, helping us manage our public events more safely and efficiently. We are grateful for this partnership and for Valtir’s continued commitment to Pell City.”
This donation underscores a partnership between local industry and the community, allowing the city to improve public safety and event logistics without a major financial outlay.
About Valtir’s Local History
Valtir’s connection to Pell City dates back to the late 1980s. The facility, originally founded as Energy Absorption Systems (EAS) in California in 1969, moved the majority of its manufacturing operations to Pell City after the local factory was purchased. Since then, the plant has doubled in size twice and currently employs approximately 250 local residents.
In 2010, EAS was acquired by Trinity Highway, which added guardrail manufacturing to the product mix. In 2022, a new company, Valtir, was established with a renewed focus on highway safety products. While the manufacturing is a key part of the Pell City operation, the company’s R&D engineering division remains in California, designing new products to meet evolving roadway safety standards.
The days are getting shorter, but the calendar is packed with events. From music festivals to costumed fun, here is your official guide to what’s happening this fall in Pell City.
Lakeside Live
Presented by: Five16 Foundation
When: Saturday, Sept. 20
Where: Lakeside Park
Look for: Live music, local vendors, car show, Battle of the Badges
Pell City’s Lakeside Live Musicfest is back for its fifth year! This free event, organized by the Five16 Foundation, runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will feature a lineup of homegrown talent, including the Pell City High School band Sand Rock, The Leverton Brothers, and The WingNuts.
Beyond the music, you can explore the “Motorfest” car show, enjoy local vendors, and watch the fan-favorite “Battle of the Badges,” where the Pell City Police and Fire Departments face off in friendly competitions. Proceeds from the event will benefit local charities, including the St. Clair Children’s Advocacy Center’s Children’s Place.
Look for: A family-friendly musical featuring timeless characters
The classic musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is coming to the Center for Education and Performing Arts (CEPA) stage! This heartwarming show, presented by the Spotlight Core Club, features a local cast bringing the beloved Peanuts characters to life.
The show runs for two performances: Thursday, October 2, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, October 4, at 2 p.m. Tickets are available for $15 for adults and $10 for children and seniors atpellcitycepa.com/tickets or at the door.
October 5: Boo Bash on Logan Martin
Presented by: LMLPA, Parks & Rec
When: Sunday, October 5
Where: Lakeside Park
Look for: Trick-or-treat by boat, carnival games & prizes, food & vendors
Get ready for the fourth annual Boo Bash on Logan Martin! This unique “dockside trick-or-treat” event invites families to decorate their docks and welcome boaters in costume.
This year’s event is also a land-based celebration at Lakeside Park, from 12 to 4 p.m. Visit the Boo Slough, the official LMLPA Land Stop featuring carnival games, photo booths, food trucks, and giveaways, all hosted by Pell City Parks & Recreation. The event supports the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association (LMLPA) and its mission to improve boating safety.
Pell City Parks & Recreation is hosting a special Trick-or-Treat Night at the Pell City Sports Complex on Tuesday, October 14, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event is a safe and fun way for families in fall sports programs to trick-or-treat before their games. While costumes are not required, they are highly encouraged.
October 19: The WingNuts’ “Run Through the Jungle”
Presented by: CEPA
When: Sunday, October 19
Where: CEPA Theater
Look for: Classic hits played note-for-note and exceptional storytelling
Back by popular demand, the local band The WingNuts will perform their show “Run Through the Jungle” at CEPA on Sunday, October 19, at 3 p.m.
This performance is a powerful tribute to the Vietnam War era, blending songs from the 1960s and 70s with historical stories and photographs. It’s more than a concert; it’s a way to honor our veterans and a significant time in American history. Tickets are available at pellcitycepa.com/tickets.
October 28: Public Safety Night
Presented by: Pell City Police Department
When: Tuesday, October 28
Where: Martin’s Family Clothing parking lot
Look for: Safety demonstrations, free food, games, and a trunk-or-treat
Join the Pell City Police Department for its annual Public Safety Night on Tuesday, October 28, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event, held in the Martin’s Family Clothing parking lot, is a fun way to meet local first responders and learn valuable safety tips.
The evening will feature safety demonstrations, free food, games, and a trunk-or-treat, making it a great event for the entire family. It’s a chance to build stronger relationships with the men and women who keep our community safe.
Lakeside Live Musicfest will take place at Lakeside Park on Logan Martin Lake on Saturday, September 20th. The free, family-friendly festival begins at 10 a.m. and will feature a variety of entertainment and activities.
In 2025, the City of Pell City has again partnered with the Five16 Foundation, the host of Lakeside Live. The Pell City Parks & Recreation Department plays a central role in the setup and execution of the event. The City extends its thanks to organizers and staff, and welcomes everyone to enjoy an exciting Saturday in the Park.
The event’s lineup includes live music, food trucks, craft vendors, carnival rides, and a car show. A highlight of the festival is the “Battle of the Badges,” where the Pell City Police Department and the Pell City Fire Department will compete in competitions including relay races and a tug-of-war.
Lakeside Live Musicfest is a charitable event, raising money for the St. Clair County Children’s Place and other local organizations. The festival is sponsored by Union State Bank, Lakeside Boathouse, and Exit Coosa River Realty.
The City Council for the City of Pell City has approved a new paving project schedule for Fiscal Year 2026, authorizing the use of a $3 million capital improvement allocation to address a list of 47 streets and roads and covering a total of approximately 17.6 miles. The approval came during the council’s September 8, 2025, meeting via Resolution No. 2025-92.
The Pell City Street Department utilized a Pavement Condition Rating (PCR) system to prioritize which roads would be repaired or resurfaced. The system gave the highest priority to roads that showed the most degradation, or the largest drop in their PCR score, between 2021 and 2024.
“A PCR score is a third-party analysis of the roadway condition and points of failure,” City Manager Brian Muenger said.
A lower score indicates more cracking, potholes, and general surface deterioration. By comparing the 2021 score to the 2024 score, the city was able to identify which roads had declined the most and were most in need of immediate attention.
The preliminary road list was reviewed by Street Superintendent Greg Gossett and the paving contractor, Wiregrass Construction Company, Inc. The preliminary cost estimates currently do not include striping and other traffic markings.
Of note, City Manager Muenger indicated that any resurfacing work on Vaughan Road would occur at night, similar to the resurfacing of Industrial Park Drive in 2024.
The St. Clair County Farmers Federation is hosting a Candidate Meet & Greet on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 9 AM – noon. The event, held at The Center for Education and the Performing Arts (CEPA) at 120 Williamson Drive in Pell City, is open to the public.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with candidates vying for statewide and local offices, including candidates for Lt. Governor, Agriculture Commissioner, State Representatives, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, State Senator, Judicial seats, and Public Service Commission Pl 1 & 2.
The St. Clair County Farmers Federation is a voice for its members on legislative and regulatory matters affecting agriculture at the local, state, and national levels. This meet-and-greet is part of their commitment to empowering their community with information to make informed decisions at the polls.
For more information about the event, contact Roland St. John at (205) 405-4909.
Unofficial results from the Pell City Municipal Election for Council District No. 3, held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, have been announced.
At 7:15 p.m. on election night, City Clerk Sheree Pruitt released the following unofficial vote tally:
Greg Crump: 96
Blaine Henderson (Incumbent): 48
The unofficial total includes 20 absentee ballots that were counted by Election Officers on election day. The City also received 4 provisional ballots, which will be reviewed by the St. Clair County Board of Registrars on August 27. These provisional ballots will not be returned until Sept. 2, 2025, but are not expected to change the outcome of the election.
The results are not yet official and are subject to change until they are formally canvassed by the City Council. The Council is scheduled to hold a Special Called Meeting to canvass the results on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at noon in the Council Chambers.
Progress has accelerated on two of Pell City’s major utility projects, with both now roughly 50% complete. This pace is expected to continue until the work is complete.
“There’s a lot of construction going on,” Utilities Superintendent James Hadaway told the City Council on August 11 during the regular meeting. “You probably see the work when you drive down Golf Course Road or through Eden on Highway 78.”
Golf Course Road
The Well A to Woodhill Tank Waterline project on Golf Course Road, with a total grant award amount of over $2.6 million, is 47% complete. So far, 2,180 feet of the planned 16,000 feet of waterline have been installed, and one of four road crossings has been finished.
As of August 11, the contractor was on day 109 of a 365-day contract.
US 78 in Eden
For the Eden Lift Station and Force Main project on US 78 in Eden, work is at the 50% completion mark. The grant award amount for the project is more than $6.1 million. The project has seen the installation of 4,200 feet of the total 12,000 feet of force main pipe and 500 feet of the 900-foot gravity sewer pipe. Three of six manholes and three of four road crossings have been completed. Additionally, 18 feet of a 26-foot concrete wall has been poured.
As of August 11, the contractor was on day 200 of a 548-day contract.
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.
