Alexander City Council approves purchase of 226 Jefferson Street for nutrition center with up to $55,000 budget amendment

The Alexander City Council voted March 3 to authorize the mayor to sign documents to purchase real property at 226 Jefferson Street to be used as a nutrition center and approved an amendment to the fiscal year 2025 budget in an amount not to exceed $55,000.

Councilors discussed alternatives, construction estimates and safety concerns before approving a substituted resolution and then approving the substitute. Discussion centered on whether the building known in the meeting as the “fire truck” location (a downtown commercial property) or other downtown properties would best serve the center’s needs, with questions about parking, ADA compliance and renovation costs. Council members also noted they had limited time to vet all options before being asked to decide.

The council recorded two roll-call…