The Birmingham City Commission voted on Aug. 11 on whether to submit a bond resolution for a new Birmingham Community and Senior Center to the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot and rejected the proposal.

The measure before the commission was a resolution to submit ballot language for a not‑to‑exceed bond in the mid‑$36 million range (bond counsel language provided in staff packet listed a 20‑year repayment scenario tied to a roughly $36.64 million authorization). The bond language included a description of a roughly 47,260‑square‑foot facility with a community swimming pool, meeting rooms, recreational facilities and senior programming spaces, together with related site improvements.

Commission debate and public comment: Commissioners and members of the public repeated concerns that the cost was high given the city’s other capital priorities and changing economic conditions. Several commissioners urged exploring a smaller, phased option or honoring the existing memorandum of understanding to renovate the first floor of the purchased YMCA building to house NEXT as an interim solution. Proponents argued the larger option would be transformational and asked voters to make that choice. The workshop earlier in the evening had offered residents time to weigh in; the bond vote followed at the commission’s regular meeting.

Vote: The motion to submit the bond language failed in a roll‑call vote, 5 opposed, 2 in favor (the meeting record does not name the motion maker and seconder for the bond submission). The tally recorded during the meeting was: Commissioner Anthony Long — yes; Mayor Theresa Long — no; Commissioner Host — no; Commissioner Emery — no; Commissioner Hague — no; Commissioner Schaefer — no; Mayor Pro Tem Baller — yes. (Meeting packet and minutes should be consulted for exact mover/second attributions if required.)

Implications: With the commission’s rejection, city staff said the project remains under discussion, but the city will not be sending the presented $36.64 million question to voters in November. Commissioners discussed alternatives: pursue a scaled bond in a future election, perform further vetting of costs and fundraising, or proceed with the MOU‑based first‑floor renovation that stays within previously approved senior millage funds.

Ending: The commission’s vote leaves NEXT’s long‑term location and the scope of a city senior/community facility unresolved. Staff and commissioners indicated they will continue to explore options and report back to the commission.