[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6153279,"mediaKeyId","5493669-5c9d7176e7aeaaa75f40578bba63fdb8","parentId",5493669,"title","Council presents first reading of ordinance to limit city truck routes to state and federal roads","audioSeconds",52,"startMs",1158000,"endMs",1210000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5493669-5c9d7176e7aeaaa75f40578bba63fdb8&start=1158&end=1210","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5493669-5c9d7176e7aeaaa75f40578bba63fdb8/thumbnail_1158000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6153279/Gadsden-City/Etowah-County/Alabama/Council-presents-first-reading-of-ordinance-to-limit-city-truck-routes-to-state-and-federal-roads","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6153279-1011f237c314e698ec5a020fd27e6b62/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159134&Signature=M06F7TwhbNHF1AfwrTQVIqNw1C4Ejg-uZT11XnliHNGfK~vJ2olS7SHwAkjTAF~ej2veQiIA8CUcGEuLAPZXI2FU10LTJvivwBp6bJ4Xghgpjq9ZqLXKJra5AJxVf0JNnJ0snqXXLP5F6LPTFIZ4unYy~1mWsQAn5ggskIcuB4ALfJI~DvlYj8HH5GVKBTfLRjY8WQBGvBh~Anz44foF2fgOyiT-I6qqo4l54HPheFLxJrnMbwse~vPjzGXxu4NM2NdikgUYO~VkXGZMCXGp0AeD8TxI3dRcDLMo17ARGzpaYv99DtmefR0Ny7vdkzlAm5bXmKRAbQTtTPokHvIX3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Gadsden City, AL","date","2025-07-25T22:00:56Z","article","GADSDEN, Ala. — The Gadsden City Council on Tuesday presented the first reading of an ordinance that would limit truck routes within city limits to state and federal routes, specify procedures allowing deviations to reach a destination within the city and establish fines for violations.

Council members said the change responds to neighborhood concerns about heavy trucks using streets that were not designed for commercial truck traffic and causing pavement damage. Officials said truck drivers sometimes follow GPS routing that directs them onto inappropriate local roads.

The ordinance was presented for first reading; the council will consider final adoption next week. Council members said the city will work with the Alabama Department of Transportation and other relevant authorities to determine appropriate truck-route signage and to clarify allowed deviations for delivery and destination purposes.

What it would do: The draft ordinance would designate truck routes as all state and federal routes within the city and would require a process for truckers to deviate from those routes only to access a destination inside the city; fines for violations are included in the proposed code change to Chapter 118, Article 5.

Council discussion: Several council members voiced support for the measure, noting specific neighborhood roads that have seen heavy truck traffic and expressing concern about pavement deterioration and safety. The item was presented for first reading and will return for a vote at the council's next meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Gadsden City Council meeting 2025-07-22","oneSentenceSummary","The council presented, as a first reading, an ordinance that would limit truck routes in Gadsden to state and federal roads, establish procedures for deviations to local destinations and create fines for violations; final action is scheduled for next week.","taxTitle","Gadsden City, Etowah County, Alabama","taxId",53910,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6153284,"Council gives first reading to budget amendment moving TIF funds for park monument and city hall renovation",67,1067000,1134000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5493669-5c9d7176e7aeaaa75f40578bba63fdb8&start=1067&end=1134","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5493669-5c9d7176e7aeaaa75f40578bba63fdb8/thumbnail_1067000.jpg","/articles/6153284/Gadsden-City/Etowah-County/Alabama/Council-gives-first-reading-to-budget-amendment-moving-TIF-funds-for-park-monument-and-city-hall-renovation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6153284-1f96bac012f150e5a09ecf51b86e3fc8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159134&Signature=a7iyj5n-L01UH1Oia5UkujH~uu3pKoWT3UeAnkp5i6SLUycTXL9rNVogXMzel5LGiLlnEDrZncthzfxycLYs5Z5ic99ShGQ7Xk~nEf3yi3rMUnuNLEJSCeyCRCOPmEHF~l2fX9ZpGyfTs-7s7cMvD-eaSIyXx8RMf2favnnBiAhzX9XDsCgbm5DDCrOsNyFsuvxVchPKe83bxfEcDmsTdaACZ0E2PjAvyfWU~1U85L1YXgT0lbCn4UltjwcqP9pi5q7kI-yMuRA8gIsFosZoCrpO3HQbEdxy3rmZlSZDgGdWvY4Kdk-UINxsnfvCLkQpLnelWWLK-ic7z9PeFqnRLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","GADSDEN, Ala. — The Gadsden City Council on Tuesday took up the first reading of an ordinance that would amend the fiscal year 2025 budget to spend remaining funds from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District 1: $25,000 for a Riverside Park dedication monument and $2,300,000 for renovations to a new city hall.

Council members said the TIF legal structure is being redrafted in coordination with Etowah County and described the appropriation as a “use it or lose it” situation for the district balance. The ordinance was presented for first reading; the council will vote on final adoption at next week's meeting.

What it would do: The ordinance allocates the remaining District 1 TIF balance to two projects — a $25,000 park dedication monument and $2.3 million toward city-hall renovations — drawn from the TIF district account. City staff noted the legal department is coordinating with the county on TIF administration.

Council process: The measure was presented for first reading only; no final vote was taken at the meeting. Council members emphasized the need to use available TIF funds and to complete the legal coordination with Etowah County before final adoption.

Next steps: Final council vote is scheduled for the next regular meeting. The city legal department and finance staff will complete TIF paperwork with the county before the council finalizes the appropriation.","The council presented (first reading) an ordinance to amend fiscal year 2025 budget to appropriate remaining Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District 1 balance: $25,000 for a Riverside Park dedication monument and $2,300,000 toward new city hall renovations; vote scheduled for next week.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6153288,"Mayor announces three-year jail contract beginning Aug. 1 at $30 per inmate per day",45,2035000,2080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5493669-5c9d7176e7aeaaa75f40578bba63fdb8&start=2035&end=2080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5493669-5c9d7176e7aeaaa75f40578bba63fdb8/thumbnail_2035000.jpg","/articles/6153288/Gadsden-City/Etowah-County/Alabama/Mayor-announces-three-year-jail-contract-beginning-Aug-1-at-30-per-inmate-per-day","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6153288-1f46c60585dd691683a7202eddaade59/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159134&Signature=aDk9y6fV1ockRiHtE~UZpnIEbVmwqR4FLVzYHiqSHdowr-GrvNKLq7P4~IqQOMx6YlGV02bs1yPx-npNQmnrV-GcmD0AmFmfD5L~5rP6fbsNhd7KnaFZAHDUd0WXKj14mAmPhl5c6wvH3D-Z8zjEhhpYCjqK1~s6pCLiNFIX~OMJUOLYXHcWR~emskqfmdUSL7KjEruho8cXkM71RU8D8Lb4uHeUotmgHxDAeZnW1RJju0I5~f~8138iaAh6yvb56BNy22GW8IUy5IhqEmmvns13qNaPCmGh6qDwlD0HSoGIjL5o8iDIjMou9M1s0plWVitRyCFPoT8ZWcw8q1eaZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","GADSDEN, Ala. — Mayor Craig Ford told the Gadsden City Council on Tuesday that the city has signed a contract to house inmates at a nearby county jail, beginning Aug. 1 at a $30-per-day rate and running three years with a one-year automatic renewal.

Ford said the agreement will begin Aug. 1 at $30 a day, that the contract is for three years with an automatic one-year renewal, and that the city will not transfer its prisoners who are currently serving time in Calhoun County but will use the new contract for housing needs going forward. He thanked the sheriff and county commissioners, specifically naming Commissioner Statham and Commissioner Enser, and thanked city staff who worked on the negotiation.

The mayor said the city will continue to use Calhoun County Jail when needed and that the new contract supplements existing arrangements rather than immediately replacing them. Council members responded positively at the meeting.

What's next: Ford said the contract will take effect Aug. 1. The mayor credited his office and county officials for negotiating the agreement; no additional contractual details such as capacity, payment escalators or intake procedures were provided in the council meeting record.","Mayor Craig Ford announced the city has signed a three-year jail contract beginning Aug. 1 at $30 per inmate per day, with a one-year automatic renewal and continued use of Calhoun County facilities when needed.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6153292,"Gadsden council asks county delegation to raise candidate qualifying fees to offset election costs",58,596000,654000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5493669-5c9d7176e7aeaaa75f40578bba63fdb8&start=596&end=654","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5493669-5c9d7176e7aeaaa75f40578bba63fdb8/thumbnail_596000.jpg","/articles/6153292/Gadsden-City/Etowah-County/Alabama/Gadsden-council-asks-county-delegation-to-raise-candidate-qualifying-fees-to-offset-election-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6153292-aaa445980671f74246715b56ce5cc03d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159134&Signature=IklGyI5AhOMxsKM1s2726e2Et1k7NzuvbvKe8N7SQAD030r1HXk3N9lZ7oVehDIMYY2UfBXwHIfdTSEx3bWX2Wdw0fkaSKvIfmyjb0q58OhEZSJCaxmFcBX9EKYgUYwEDUfA2g5oXm~UXMuTd7p9yrW8kKRNUNeUbJWQ~uMxod-1f7hhO1YNYy3jCuoAM9frpZHD~3dG0bYmuwE-7n72IGvzGu54KQtprygZqapqvhO6mRS0JgCy2lRM~~18UMie9qoT64bZXD0K7uEguagriRemFf4ZD4dD10YuUegp8kZyU~oe7wURrxTwmhzgb52djMtNS0RTZ-vm37n1vrlybA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","GADSDEN, Ala. — The Gadsden City Council on Tuesday adopted a resolution asking the Etowah County legislative delegation to sponsor a local bill that would raise qualifying fees for municipal candidates, a change city officials said is intended to reduce the cost of running municipal elections.

The resolution asks for a local bill to allow mayoral candidates to pay up to $500 to qualify and city council and school board candidates to pay up to $200. City staff told council members the change is intended to offset election costs the city bears for municipal contests that sometimes coincide with county or statewide ballots.

City officials cited figures from the city clerk's office showing the most recent municipal election (mayor, council and school board races with a general election and runoff) cost roughly $94,000 to $95,000 to administer. Council members noted the current qualifying fees have not been updated in decades and described the proposal as aligning Gadsden with qualifying fees used by many other municipalities.

Council vote: The chair called for a motion to adopt the resolution; the motion carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

What's next: The resolution is a request to the Etowah County legislative delegation rather than a change enacted by the council. The council chair said the matter will be forwarded to the county delegation for consideration as a local bill. No change in qualifying fees takes effect until the county delegation acts and any required state or local procedures are completed.

Officials and council members emphasized the resolution is intended to defray city election costs rather than to restrict access to office; no language raising civil penalties or changing ballot access was adopted as part of the resolution.","The council unanimously adopted a resolution asking the Etowah County legislative delegation to pass a local bill increasing qualifying fees for municipal candidates to help offset the rising cost of municipal elections.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6153295,"Gadsden council approves sales-tax rebates to attract Rural King, 7 Brew and Zaxby’s",371,689000,1060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5493669-5c9d7176e7aeaaa75f40578bba63fdb8&start=689&end=1060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5493669-5c9d7176e7aeaaa75f40578bba63fdb8/thumbnail_689000.jpg","/articles/6153295/Gadsden-City/Etowah-County/Alabama/Gadsden-council-approves-sales-tax-rebates-to-attract-Rural-King-7-Brew-and-Zaxbys","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6153295-52dc3080ca491e83d0bb0b6fd88506fc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159134&Signature=mnxz0a9-t2tGne-S42w55Bj2XZNdrUwoV6p85MBp2h8DvzBX0RHdJtHEsAY4TVHEP3qDGMnpy0UDjKMLv0ymr~kYe4UuN6wjX6XyRZzlL9P4NO3LboGu9swvnvBnpQXgxGgdn6J8llExLBw00IhySwdOOkMDfaSC1fZMkuDnPsWkCycKFq-KKUjUAaA55poQjNulqzmS1sbwHgX48k6a7EnQvtv4WfsoijZQY~igV9kf5V7-fFTiNDDIrEuVj~41EhLoRwU1v2WoS-OdOqEz06Fx3hrOjZquSNuP~k8myHXdZO4vwaNSr1LkfMmYofLjiow5QaAwqxv0DpBW5FNr0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","GADSDEN, Ala. — The Gadsden City Council on Tuesday approved a package of economic development agreements the council and mayor said will bring a Rural King retail store and two restaurant franchises to the city, financed in part by sharing a small portion of city sales-tax receipts.

City leaders said the largest of the three deals will fund an Alabama Rural King shopping center on North Third Street through a revenue warrant secured by the city’s sales-tax receipts. The city agreed to share 2.25 percentage points of its 5% local sales tax for up to 15 years, not to exceed $7,753,144, the ordinance adopted by the council says.

The council also adopted two resolutions to grant sales-tax rebates of 2% of the city’s 5% sales tax to developers of two restaurant sites — a 7 Brew slated for 202 East Meighan Boulevard and a Zaxby’s at 900 Gilbert Ferry Road Southeast. Each rebate would last up to five years from the business opening, or until $200,000 has been paid to the developer, whichever comes first.

Why it matters: The council and mayor described the measures as incentives to attract large employers and retail investment to underused commercial corridors. Mayor Craig Ford said the Rural King site alone is expected to produce full-time jobs and major redevelopment of an aging shopping center.

Council action and debate: Council members substituted a revised ordinance for the Rural King project and, by unanimous consent, considered it at first reading the same day. The council then voted to adopt the ordinance. The two restaurant rebate resolutions were presented and adopted without recorded opposition. The meeting transcript shows no roll-call “no” votes; the council recorded the motions as carrying.

Local officials emphasized job creation and sales-tax revenue as rationale for the incentives. “I think the Rural King is 90 full-time jobs,” Mayor Craig Ford said during the discussion. He also described the Rural King project and associated work as “like a $12,000,000 economic development” for the site, comments the mayor made as he outlined the anticipated local impact.

City staff and council members said the Rural King lease and warrant structure will be secured by the sales-tax stream and capped at the stated maximum. The restaurant rebate agreements use a simpler percentage-rebate model with a $200,000 cap for each location. The council did not change the rebate percentages at the meeting.

What’s next: The Rural King ordinance was adopted on first consideration after the council accepted the substituted document; the motion carried. The two restaurant agreements were adopted as resolutions. City officials said construction and site work will follow the agreements and that the projects will generate additional sales tax income as the businesses open.

The council’s action drew praise from members who credited city development staff for negotiating the deals and said the projects are the result of sustained recruitment efforts. Council members and the mayor linked the deals to broader efforts to redevelop the Midtown Gregersen Shopping Center and to increase retail options at a nearby interstate exit.","The Gadsden City Council unanimously approved agreements to support a Rural King store and two restaurant franchises using a portion of the city’s sales-tax revenue as rebates and a revenue warrant; city leaders said the deals are expected to create jobs and spur redevelopment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council presents first reading of ordinance to limit city truck routes to state and federal roads

Council gives first reading to budget amendment moving TIF funds for park monument and city hall renovation

Mayor announces three-year jail contract beginning Aug. 1 at $30 per inmate per day

Gadsden council asks county delegation to raise candidate qualifying fees to offset election costs

Gadsden council approves sales-tax rebates to attract Rural King, 7 Brew and Zaxby’s