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Residents and business owners press council on police chief, utility bills and city services; county commissioner urges SSUT support
Summary
Public comment at the Jan. 5 Tarrant City Council meeting focused on support for Police Chief Wendell Major, concerns about electric bills and garbage service, questions about the upcoming city audit, and a request from Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight for the council to consider supporting the current SSUT distribution amid pending litigation.
TARRANT — Public comment at the Jan. 5 Tarrant City Council meeting was dominated by residents and local business owners urging the council to retain Police Chief Wendell Major and raising concerns about city services.
Multiple speakers, including Sydney Clements (resident and owner of ABC Parts), Novilee Williams (resident) and Chuck Winborn (resident), voiced support for Chief Wendell Major and asked the council to provide information about any performance issues before making personnel changes. Several public commenters directly asked the council to reconsider any action that would remove or replace the chief; the minutes record public support but do not show a formal response other than procedural referrals.
Business owner David Guin, who operates Mr. Payroll and Tarrant Car Wash, urged greater business involvement in city affairs and raised concerns about the condition of the local jail. Rickey Johnson told the council that an increase in his electric bill posed a strain on local households; Mayor Threadford referred him to the City of Tarrant Electric Board for follow-up. Linda Escott complained about current garbage service provided by Republic Services; the mayor said the city is exploring options when the contract expires.
Resident Winifried Dill asked councilors to address ongoing truck traffic and neighborhood issues in Brumitt Heights and urged council cooperation to resolve those problems.
In the last public-comment slot, Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight asked the council to consider passing a resolution supporting the current Alabama Simplified Sellers and Use Tax (SSUT) calculation and distribution, saying pending litigation threatens to alter how the state collects and allocates the tax. That request was raised during public comment; the council did not take action on the SSUT item at the meeting.
The meeting record shows the council adjourned at 7:14 p.m. after public comment; no formal personnel action regarding the police chief was recorded during the session.
The city audit is scheduled to begin Jan. 19, 2026, a date mentioned in response to public questions about audit status.
