CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Commission at its meeting on Tuesday, April 15, passed a resolution opposing Alabama Senate Bill 322 (SB322) (https://tinyurl.com/sb322), which it said would allow municipalities to annex community development districts (CDDs) without public input or legislative oversight. The commission said the bill would bypass County authority, enabling cities to annex land miles beyond their boundaries, without requiring those areas to be contiguous. It said the bill threatens to divert tax revenue from counties to municipalities while leaving counties responsible for roads, services and infrastructure. The highlighted risks, it said, are fragmented governance, disrupted planning and loss of zoning control. The commission encouraged residents to contact state legislators and urge them to oppose SB322.
The bill is co-sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman. Gudger released a video Friday, April 18 (https://tinyurl.com/ggsb322), in direct response to a video posted by Cullman County Commissioner Corey Freeman, who assailed the bill (www.facebook.com/corey.freeman.7), on Monday, April 14.
Look for a feature-length investigative piece on SB322 at www.CullmanTribune.com.
Other meeting business included approved surplus declarations, subdivision permits and appointments to the Mental Health Board.
The commission proclaimed April 18 Two Lights for Tomorrow Day. Two Lights for Tomorrow commemorates the 250th anniversary Paul Revere’s ride. On April 18, two lights were displayed in every statehouse in the nation.
Among the consent agenda items, the commission declared several items surplus, including a 2009 Dodge Charger from the sheriff’s office and outdated technology from the Revenue Office. Several vehicles and equipment were removed from the Road Department’s surplus list to be retained.
The commission approved the reduction of speed limits to 25 mph on County Roads 1207 and 287.
Commissioners also approved a $43,750 quote for renovations at the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office.
Former Vinemont Councilwoman Shirley Arnett was appointed to the Cullman Area Mental Health Authority Board for a term of six years.
Brittany Heron was nominated and approved to serve on the County’s 250-Year Celebration Committee.
Additional items included approving a $11,342.95 engine purchase for CARTS, as well as permits and bonds for subdivision developments in Districts 2, 3 and 4, and accepting preliminary plats for the Bethel and Chaney Branch Farms subdivisions.
The next Cullman County Commission meeting will be Tuesday, May 20, at 6 p.m. in the commission meeting room.
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