Opelika commission approves budget amendment, minutes and consent agenda in unanimous votes

The Opelika City Commission on Jan. 28, 2026 voted unanimously to adopt a budget amendment that adds $50,000 for a small-business grant program, $57,276 for police Oracle software and $44,444 in carryover for a Northwest 133rd Street project.

The ordinance was presented as the second reading of “budget amendment number 1 for fiscal year 26,” with City Manager Shamika Lawson telling commissioners that “between first and second reading, there have been a chain several changes to include $50,000 for the small business grant program, $57,276 for the police Oracle software, and, $44,444 for Northwest 1 33rd Street project carryover.” A public hearing was opened and, after seeing no speakers, was closed before commissioners called the question.

Commissioner Irvin moved to adopt the ordinance and Vice Mayor Kelly seconded. The clerk recorded votes of ‘yes’ from Commissioner Bass, Commissioner Irvin, Vice Mayor Kelly and Mayor Taylor; the motion passed 4-0. The ordinance text as read authorizes the city manager to take actions consistent with the amendment and includes standard repealer, severability and effective-date language; the meeting record did not specify the ordinance number or the ordinance’s explicit effective date.

Separately, earlier procedural items passed without opposition: the commission approved minutes from the Jan. 14, 2026 meeting (correcting an earlier reference to 2020) after a motion by Vice Mayor Kelly and second by Commissioner Irvin, and later approved the consent agenda by motion of Vice Mayor Kelly and second by Commissioner Irvin. Both votes were recorded 4-0.

The city manager submitted her regular report in writing and commissioners had no questions during the meeting. The commission invited the public to the annual state of the city address the following evening and moved to adjourn at the close of the agenda.