CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Council on Monday honored multiple City staffers, including the outgoing head of Cullman’s economic development for the last generation. In his remarks, Mayor Woody Jacobs presented a resolution to honor Cullman Economic Development Agency (CEDA) Director Dale Greer for his years of service. The council also passed a resolution to appoint Jamie Troutman as interim director of CEDA when Greer departs.
Council President and General Government Committee Chair Kim Hall presented the most recent 2025 statistics for CEDA, including:
- Local labor force increase of 770 people
- 863 new jobs
- Unemployment decreased to 2.4%
- Three new companies
- 21 expanding companies
- $142 million in capital investment
Hall also noted that other counties’ economic development agencies have begun coming to Cullman to learn how the local agency does its job.
During committee reports, Hall presented a resolution recognizing Cullman High School Theater for winning the state championship at the State Trumbauer Festival and representing the state at the upcoming regional competition.
Councilman and Public Safety Committee Chair Chuck Shikle recognized Cullman Fire Rescue Engineer Matt Harris for passing his paramedic registry, and CFR Firefighter Tyler McSwain for achieving EMT basic certification. Shikle also noted that Fire Station 3 will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Safe Haven Baby Box on Jan. 15, 2026.
Councilman and Utilities Committee Chair Paul Schaffer recognized wastewater plant staffer Adam Brown for receiving his Grade IV Wastewater Operator Certification.
During his remarks, Mayor Jacobs recognized Human Resources Director Michelle Bates for completion of both Human Resources and Risk Management certifications.
Jacobs also issued a proclamation designating January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Cullman.
Council business
The council held a public hearing for an ordinance to rezone property located at 1803 Beech Ave. SE from a manufacturing district to a business district, which received a favorable recommendation from the Cullman Planning Commission. The council also held a first reading for the ordinance, which can be presented for a vote at the next meeting.
The council passed an ordinance to annex property located on County Road 1466 as a manufacturing and agricultural district, which received a favorable recommendation from the planning commission.
The council passed resolutions to:
- Declare and surplus inventory, equipment and other assets not needed by the City of Cullman
- Enter into a contract with Docusign for advanced e-signature document services
- Enter into a contract with QT Petroleum on Demand, LLC for fuel management software including data hosting and technical support for the self-service pump at the Cullman Regional Airport
- Enter into a facility encroachment agreement with CSX
- Enter into a contract with LBYD, Inc., for potential engineering services, as needed
The council set a public hearing on Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. for an ordinance to create a Neighborhood Enhancement Program.
The next Cullman City Council meeting will be on Monday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. in the city hall auditorium. The public is invited to attend.
