Finance director reports steady balances, utility capital work and improved water clarity; council hears storm cleanup and recreation updates

The Alexander City Council on Feb. 17 received a report from the finance director showing no significant change in the city's total bank balance between December and January, but a decline in the utility-collection account that the director attributed to proactive capital repairs and ongoing projects.

The finance director said the city has been moving from a "band-aid" approach to more proactive utility work and that capital projects and previously deferred repairs have increased near-term spending in the utilities accounts. She noted a reduction of roughly $1,600,000 in the utility collection account tied to those efforts and ongoing capital work (figures provided by staff during the meeting).

Councilors also heard operational updates: the downtown water project is underway and the water department reported 12 repaired leaks and five new services installed. The utilities department continues coordination on multiple capital efforts and related 8-1-1 locates.

On water quality, council members were told recent cold weather followed by significant rain reduced algal propagation and temporarily improved tap-water clarity. The council noted this respite may be temporary until seasonal temperature changes cause the lake to "turn over" again.

Recreation and parks updates included storm damage at the Sportsplex, where trees fell and a fire engine was displaced; staff are clearing debris and repairing facilities. As of the morning of Feb. 17, registration for spring youth sports totaled 371 participants across tee ball, softball and baseball, with an expected final number around 400.

Councilors repeatedly thanked city crews—the street, environmental waste, light and utility departments—for early-morning and weekend work clearing fallen trees, restoring power and clearing storm drains. Council members said crews responded to debris on roughly 23 streets during the weekend response; the city reported crews working through the night to remove hazards.

Public safety and community engagement items announced on the floor included the City Public Safety Academy, a free 10-week class beginning March 4 that meets Tuesday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; residents without further details were directed to contact Captain McKinney at the Alexander City Police Department for sign-ups.

The council also recognized a local government class in attendance and invited students to return for community-service credit. Several council members encouraged civic participation and thanked staff for emergency response work during the recent storms.

No formal decisions on capital project financing or changes to operations were taken during the report; councilors directed staff to continue planned capital work and to provide updates at subsequent meetings.