FY 2026 Budget: A Focus on Citywide Upgrades and Increased Fire Department Staffing

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.

As such, the FY 2026 Budget projects an 11th consecutive year of growth for the City’s General Fund Balance.

“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.

Guide to Fall Fun in Pell City

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.

For more information, visit the Lakeside Live website.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown

  • Presented by: Spotlight Drama
  • When: Friday, October 2 & Sunday, October 4
  • Where: CEPA Theater
  • 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 at pellcitycepa.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.

To stay up-to-date on event details, follow the Boo Bash on Logan Martin Facebook page.

October 14: Trick-or-Treat Night

  • Presented by: Pell City Parks & Recreation
  • When: Tuesday, October 14
  • Where: Pell City Sports Complex
  • Look for: Costumed fun and live youth sports

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.

SCAM ALERT: Pell City Police Warn of False Warrant Phone Calls

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.

Travel with Confidence: Pell City PD Offers Free Home Security Checks

The Pell City Police Department is pleased to announce its continued offering of a complimentary house check service for residents who will be away from their homes for an extended period. This proactive program aims to provide peace of mind to traveling homeowners by ensuring their properties are regularly monitored by dedicated law enforcement personnel.

Click Here to Schedule a House Check

Residents can request a house check by visiting the department’s website at pell-city.com/pcpd-house-check and completing a simple form. Once registered, officers will periodically check the exterior of the residence, looking for any signs of suspicious activity, forced entry, or unusual circumstances.

“Our officers conduct these checks with utmost diligence and attention to detail, understanding the trust residents place in us to safeguard their homes while they are away,” Pell City police Chief Clay Morris said. “We are dedicated to providing that extra layer of security and peace of mind.”

The importance of securing homes during travel is underscored by national crime trends. According to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) there were 840,000 burglaries reported across the United States in 2023, highlighting the persistent risk. Analyses of federal crime data consistently show that a significant portion of residential burglaries occur during daylight hours and when homes are unoccupied, emphasizing the vulnerability of vacant properties.

To further enhance home security while away, the Pell City Police Department also recommends the following:

  • Secure All Entry Points: Ensure all doors and windows are locked, including those on upper floors and in the garage. Consider reinforcing vulnerable entry points.
  • Utilize Timers for Lights: Set interior lights on timers to create the illusion of occupancy. Varying the times lights turn on and off can be particularly effective.
  • Manage Mail and Deliveries: Arrange for mail and newspapers to be held by the post office or a trusted neighbor. Suspend or redirect any regular deliveries.
  • Avoid Social Media Announcements: Refrain from posting travel plans or vacation photos on social media until after you have returned home. This can inadvertently alert potential criminals that your home is vacant.
  • Enlist Trusted Neighbors: Ask a trusted neighbor to collect flyers, check your property, park a car in your driveway, and generally make the home appear occupied.
  • Maintain Exterior Appearance: Arrange for routine maintenance to prevent your home from looking neglected.
  • Store Valuables Safely: Keep expensive items and important documents out of plain sight and, if possible, in a secure location like a safe deposit box or a hidden safe.
  • Register your security system with PCPD: Visit connectpellcity.org/camera-registration to quickly register your security system with the department, giving investigators an advantage in fighting crime in your neighborhood.
Click Here to Register Your Camera

The Pell City Police Department encourages all residents planning to travel to take advantage of the free house check service and implement these additional security measures. For more information and to sign up for the house check program, please visit pell-city.com/pcpd-house-check.

PCPD holds 2025 Fallen Officers Memorial Ceremony

Each year, the men and women of the Pell City Police Department gather alongside the public outside City Hall to pay tribute to two officers who gave their lives in service to the community – Officer Greg Surles and Lt. Richard Woods.

The Department’s entrance is flanked by stone monuments that honor these fallen officers. On May 15, 2025, during National Police Week, the Woods and Surles families joined the department for this annual recognition of their heroism and sacrifice at the site of these permanent memorials.

The event, led by Pell City Police Chief Clay Morris, included remarks of faith and gratitude from Rev. Scotty Pinson and a performance by Barrett Haynes.

“The brave men and women who serve in our City put their lives at risk every day,” Pinson told the crowd. “I am forever grateful for the service and sacrifice of these great leaders. We should always stand with them, keep them and their families in our prayers, and show them the respect and support they deserve.”

Pell City Police Officer Surles died from injuries he sustained when an 18-wheeler collided with his patrol vehicle in 2008. Lt. Woods died of a heart attack in 2015. His symptoms began while assisting two women who were trapped in their vehicle following a traffic accident.

“Our work is worth doing,” Chief Morris said to the families of Officer Surles and Lt. Woods. “For Richard and Greg, that work was protecting this community, protecting the lives of others, upholding justice, and ensuring peace. We put on the uniform each day and confront the unknown, driven by a sense of duty and an unyielding commitment to the communities we serve. Our courage is not the absence of fear. It’s the mastery of it.

“Greg and Richard’s sacrifice is a testament to their courage and commitment. Their legacy lives on every day in the lives they touched, in our department, and in this community. We will never forget them.”