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Alexander City council promises more transparency, plans return to line‑item budget reviews
Summary
Councilors and the mayor said Jan. 5 they will restore line‑item budget reviews and schedule work sessions with department heads so council members can better understand departmental requests and avoid procedural surprises.
Council members used the Jan. 5 meeting to say they will restore a more hands‑on, transparent budget review process.
One councilor said it is "not healthy for a city council not to understand" when major changes occur outside of public meetings and asked that council members be included in department budget hearings and line‑item reviews. Another councilor and the mayor agreed, noting that open work sessions and more frequent budget hearings will be scheduled so council members can review department requests in detail.
Mayor Jim said department heads should draft budgets in cooperation with the mayor's office and bring them to council for review; he pledged to ensure the budget process remains fact‑based and to take appropriate action on complaints after verifying facts.
Councilors said planned work sessions and restored line‑item review are intended to increase transparency and public understanding of budget decisions.
