CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Commission approved two economic development agreements, adopted several policies and handled a number of contracts, purchases and other items during its Aug. 11 meeting. The commission also recognized Brooklynn Merriman for winning 2026 Teen Miss Alabama, as well as 2026 Miss Alabama Strawberry Festival.
Adopting Resolution No. 2026-40, the Commission approved a project agreement with API Cullman LLC under Amendment 772. The resolution passed 3-2, with Commissioners Kerry Watson and Garry Marchman voting in opposition.
The agreement provides a tax abatement for a new economic development project, identified as The Shoppes at Heritage Park by the City of Cullman earlier this week. Amendment 772 allows local governments in Alabama to provide certain incentives for qualifying economic development projects, including the abatement of certain taxes. The incentives are intended to encourage new investment and job creation by reducing some of a project’s upfront costs.
The Cullman City Council on Aug. 10, adopted its own resolution for the project, with Councilman Jason Willoughby voting in opposition. At that meeting, Cullman Economic Development Agency (CEDA) Executive Director Jamie Troutman said the 156,000-square-foot project will be home to 15-20 new businesses. “…with a capital investment of $58 million, and estimated sales of approximately $55 million per year with around $18.5 million in additional tenant investments,” Troutman added.
The Commission also adopted Resolution No. 2026-41, an economic development project agreement with A1 Composites, LLC.
Commissioners adopted the Cullman County Solid Waste Management Plan and approved an employment contract for the county engineer.
The Commission authorized Chairman Jeff Clemons to sign a Department of Youth Services Long Term Detention Subsidy Contract covering Oct. 1, 2026-Sept. 30, 2027. The chairman was also authorized to sign an agreement with NSS for a fingerprint machine at the Cullman County Detention Center.
Commissioners approved payment of $79,650 for a 2021 John Deere excavator for the Cullman County Water Department.
The Commission approved the North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments (NARCOG) dues and matching request for fiscal year 2027 in the amount of $76,172.83, as well as a memorandum of understanding with NARCOG for shared office space.
A new penny policy for the Water Department was also approved. The policy, set to begin Oct. 5, will apply only to customers paying their water bills with cash. With pennies no longer being minted, cash payments will be rounded to the nearest nickel. Customers will receive a credit on their accounts for any difference resulting from the rounding.
Commissioners approved a Fund Balance Reserve Policy to be implemented with the new budget beginning Oct. 1, 2026.
The Commission accepted a $30,000 quote from Ortiz Concrete to install 10 concrete pads at Smith Lake Park and approved a quote from Walker Brothers for flooring at the Brushy Pond Community Center in an amount not to exceed $11,000.
Commissioners approved the proposed plat for Smith Subdivision on Alabama Highway 91. The minor subdivision contains 10 lots in Commission District 3 and is located approximately 1.5 miles east of the Walter Volunteer Fire Department at the corner of Highway 91 and County Road 787.
The Commission also approved an extension of the existing $127,195.20 surety bond for Kingfisher Subdivision Phase 1C. The subdivision is in Commission District 1 at the corner of U.S. Highway 278 and County Road 1616.
Bid No. 1505 for jail supplies and chemicals was awarded in part to American Paper & Twine and Central Paper, including laundry and kitchen chemicals. Bid No. 1507 for tornado siren repair was also awarded following the bid opening.
The Commission additionally extended Bid No. 1487 for pest control services with Phillips Pest Control for one year.
The next Cullman County Commission work session is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, at 4 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room. The commission meeting will follow at 6.
