Commission debates timing and language of proposed bond for new community center; approves RFP for construction manager

The Birmingham City Commission spent the longest portion of its Jan. 13 meeting on the proposed new facility at 400 E. Lincoln — the project often described as a senior recreation center — and the financing needed to build it. Commissioners authorized staff to issue a request for proposals for construction management services but declined to finalize ballot language or commit to a May 6 bond election, citing the compressed public-education timeline and the need to refine project scope, operating costs and naming.

City and outside advisors outlined the current plan. Attorney Pat McGough, representing the city on bond-financing, said the maximum bond amount under discussion is $32,000,000 and described filing deadlines to place a question on the May 6, 2025 special election (ballot language must be filed with the city clerk by Feb. 11). McGough said the commission can present a maximum amount to voters and, if approved, later issue bonds for a smaller amount once final construction pricing is…