The Dothan City Commission voted Dec. 16 to award a $12,222,040.41 contract to Reeves and Shaw Construction LLC for a new community center on Ennis Road.

City staff presented the contract award (Resolution 2025-361) and commissioners discussed funding and design. One commissioner reported roughly $7.75 million in state funding toward the project; commissioners discussed whether a local match would be required and whether the city should pursue value-engineering options to reduce cost while preserving square footage. "We'll have our staff work with contractors, both our architects, to see what we can do to decrease the cost, but still not, minimize the macro product," a city manager representative said.

Several commissioners emphasized fiscal caution. One commissioner urged the team to look for savings but said the footprint should not be reduced because the center could attract conferences and other uses that would benefit the community. "That's the main thing...there's a possibility of bringing some police conferences in there...that could be really game changing," the commissioner said. Another commissioner acknowledged cost concerns but argued the city should "do it right" and noted the importance of long-term value.

Multiple commissioners credited Sen. Tuberville and others for helping secure federal and state funding for the project; the mayor and several commissioners thanked previous commissioners and staff who aided the effort. Commissioners also noted Reeves and Shaw are a local contractor and said they looked forward to the firm building the project.

After discussion the commission called the question and approved the contract by voice vote. Staff said the project will move to the value-engineering stage and that staff will return with adjustments as needed to control costs without reducing the building’s intended footprint.