Discussion at the Dec. 2 Gadsden City Council meeting focused in part on a public controversy over a proposed swimming-pool project in East Gadsden and the administration’s broader project agenda.

Councilman Wilson addressed online criticism of the pool project, saying the proposal grew from a two‑year Grow Gadsden plan developed through multiple community meetings and arguing that the pool responds to community requests. He disputed claims that the administration is squandering city reserves and said the city has grown revenues roughly 10% year over year for the past three years and has pursued grants aggressively. Wilson stated the city has secured "in excess of $25,300,000" in grant dollars over the last three years, which he framed as funds paid into federal and state coffers by local taxpayers and reclaimed for local projects.

Wilson also emphasized that bidding and procurement are public processes: he described the city's practice of awarding contracts to the lowest responsible bidder — defined as the responsive vendor that meets insurance, bonding and certification requirements and is approved by the city engineer. He told residents that design-level participation is part of the public process for elected officials and encouraged residents who want detailed design input to run for office or work through public meetings rather than demanding control via social media.

Other council members raised complementary items: Councilwoman Menacher highlighted improved elementary-school attendance statistics for several schools, and Councilman Avery announced District 3 events and said he would follow up on constituent concerns about local leadership and projects.

No formal policy reversal or new procurement action was taken at the meeting; Wilson’s remarks were a defense of existing project planning and an invitation to use public processes for input.