CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Council on Monday split 3-2 over a resolution offering $800,000 in financial incentives to Rural King to support a 90,000-square-foot retail store. The store is under construction on Cullman’s south side at 309 Olive St. SW across the street from Rock N Roll Sushi, near similar established businesses like Tractor Supply and Lowe’s. The amount will be shared by the city and county, with each paying $400,000. The measure also requires Cullman County Commission approval.
Mattoon, Illinois-based Rural King describes itself as “America’s Farm and Home Store, and a General Merchandise and Department Store, providing essentials to the communities we serve. More specifically, we provide a broad range of necessities, essential goods, food, feed, seed and other farm and home products.”
Before the vote, Councilmen Jason Willoughby and Chuck Shikle voiced opposition to the measure.
Willoughby said, “I do believe that this project will create an overall net gain in revenues for Cullman City, Cullman County and for the schools. Back in November 2025, basically the week that we took office, I was asked to attend a meeting with a few local business owners, Councilman (David) Moss and the mayor. During this meeting, we listened to the concerns that they had about this proposed project, and as a small business owner, immediately I understood their worries, but I did state that I am 100% for capitalism; in other words, I would be all in for Rural King locating here, but without an unfair tax advantage, and that I wouldn’t be voting to incentivize their competition.
“This council and Economic Development, we spent countless hours meeting, debating with Economic Development, county officials and Rural King executives. I can promise you that all of us have wrestled with the pros and cons about this topic. It’s been difficult for each of us, to say the least. But no matter how this vote goes tonight and, or what county commissioners decide, the initial request from Rural King to move to Cullman was for $5,413,858 in subsidies. This vote tonight is for a one-time incentive payment for $400,000 from the city, and the county equal $400,000 for an $800,000 incentive split equally. I truly believe, depending on the vote, that because of the council’s hard work and division on this matter, we have potentially saved taxpayers $4,613,858.”
Willoughby pointed out that Prattville gave Rural King $5,000,000, that Gadsden gave the company $7.75 million and that Jasper gave amounts not publicly disclosed that “resemble the same figures as the others.”
“It seems like to me,” concluded Willoughby, “that we are forcing one business to pay taxes that fund their competition. So just think about that. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the automotive business or – and I know that it’s been said that all rising waters float all ships, or something to that nature, but when your competition across the street has an $800,000 head start, that’s a big advantage.”
Shikle added, “We went through many discussions over the incentives, the things that we were going to do to try to attract Rural King, and I’m really proud that we all worked together to kind of come up with some things. But I’m also with Council Member Willoughby. You know, I campaigned to all the small businesses that I could get to, especially on foot, some of them being Mary Carter, some of them being Chambers, and I made a pledge that I was going to support them, and I’m going to honor that pledge.”
Council President Kim Hall, speaking in support of the incentive, said that the city’s financial commitment “will be used for public infrastructure improvements to benefit not only that business but other businesses in the area, and future developments. We’re excited about the work and the partnership with Cullman County to provide the infrastructure improvements and, rather than granting a sales tax abatement for this project, we chose to invest in infrastructure because we all believe it’s a priority. The new retail sales from Rural King are predicted to generate new sales tax revenue that will support public safety, schools, city services and road projects.”
Hall quoted projected figures about potential educational funding included in a press release included below, and added, “So, for me, being an educator, looking at the revenue that is going to go into our schools, Cullman City Schools and Cullman County Schools, that played a big factor in my decisions.”
Following the vote, Cullman Economic Development Agency Director Jamie Troutman issued the following press release:
City of Cullman and Cullman County Announce $14 Million Rural King Investment
Bringing Jobs and Regional Retail Growth
Cullman, Ala. -The City of Cullman and Cullman County are proud to announce that Rural King will locate a new store on approximately 10 acres along Olive Street, representing a $14 million capital investment and the creation of approximately 45 full-time jobs.
The new Rural King store is projected to generate an estimated $22 million in annual sales during its first year of operation, further strengthening Cullman’s position as a regional retail hub.
Often described as a “destination retailer,” Rural King is known for drawing customers from a wide trade area-typically 30 miles or more. According to company estimates, approximately 40 percent of the store’s sales are anticipated to come from outside Cullman and Cullman County, introducing new dollars into the local economy and supporting continued growth and diversification. This extended reach is expected to drive increased economic activity throughout the City of Cullman and Cullman County, benefiting nearby retail businesses, restaurants, and fuel stations.
Construction of the project is already moving forward with local and regional partners playing a key role.
The building has been ordered through Inland Buildings, and site preparation is currently underway by Manning Construction, further demonstrating the project’s immediate impact on the local economy.
“This project represents more than just a new retail location-it’s an investment in the quality of life for our residents,” said Mayor Woody Jacobs. “Rural King will provide new shopping options, create jobs, and continue to make Cullman a place where people want to live, work, and spend their time.”
“Rural King is a strong addition for Cullman County as a whole,” said County Commission Chairman Jeff Clemons. “With significant sales, this project brings new revenue into our county and strengthens our overall economic base.”
“The addition of Rural King further positions our community as a regional retail destination. This type of investment builds momentum and enhances our ability to recruit additional retail, restaurant, and commercial development to Cullman and Cullman County,” said Jason Grimmett, Cullman County Industrial Development Authority Chairman.
In its first year of operation, Rural King is projected to generate approximately $467,000 in additional funding for local education—$287,000 for Cullman County Schools and $180,000 for Cullman City Schools. Over the next 20 years, this investment is expected to contribute nearly $12 million to support and strengthen our school systems. The total revenue received over 20 years is estimated at over $31 million.
Cullman County, the City of Cullman, and their economic development partners look forward to supporting the successful development of the project and welcoming Rural King to the community.
The Cullman City Council meets next at 7 P.M. on Monday, May 11, 2026, in the city hall auditorium. The public is invited to attend.
