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Eufaula council hears HB86 update as Medical Center Barbour secures $750,000 in donations
Summary
Mayor and council members reported on HB86, which took effect Jan. 5, 2026, and on local economic projects; Councilman Ben Garrison said Medical Center Barbour received $750,000 in allowable donations within hours of the donation window opening.
Mayor Jack B. Tibbs, Jr. briefed the Eufaula City Council on local development projects and a new state incentive that city leaders say helped generate substantial donations to a rural hospital.
At the Jan. 6 meeting, Tibbs reported updates on Renfroe’s Grocery, American EV and ALMAC Industries and said Spectrum fiber expansion work is underway in the city. He also discussed HB86, which went into effect Jan. 5, 2026, and creates tax credits for donors to the Rural Hospital Investment Program.
Councilman Ben Garrison said a local outreach effort led by Claudia Balkcom helped mobilize donors and that Medical Center Barbour "received the full amount of allowable donations, totaling $750,000.00, within hours of the donation window opening." He said an executive committee has been created to stay informed on hospital operations.
City Attorney Joel Smith reported that the Former House Hotel closed on construction financing in December and that the project appears ahead of schedule; Mayor Tibbs said he hopes it will be completed by the end of 2026 and noted interest from the ADECA Director in visiting Eufaula to discuss potential grants. Tibbs also said he would like to invite the ALDOT Director to the city to discuss upcoming bridge projects.
Why it matters: HB86 provides state tax credits aimed at encouraging private donations to support rural hospitals; local officials said the law enabled a rapid fundraising outcome for Medical Center Barbour and that the city will continue to track the hospital's needs through an executive committee.
Next steps: Council members said they will remain informed through the newly formed executive committee and monitor related grant and infrastructure opportunities.
