Leeds officials discuss budget worksheet and outdated GIS mapping; police announce Citizen Police Academy

Acting City Clerk Ronnie Dixon presented a working budget worksheet on Jan. 12 and said he and the city auditor have been preparing a draft working budget. Council Member Cary Kennedy said he prefers working with actual numbers rather than projections, and Council Member Sabrina Rose said she will meet with the library about its budget.

Mayor Eddie Moore noted the city’s GIS mapping system had last been updated three years ago and said the city is exploring working with an engineering firm capable of providing real-time GIS updates. Fire Chief Parsons responded to the GIS concern by saying there was no delay in the response to a recent house fire, noting the incident likely involved unincorporated Leeds and Cahaba Valley.

Police Chief Irwin announced that the Citizen Police Academy will start Feb. 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM each Thursday for seven weeks. The academy announcement was presented as a community-engagement opportunity for residents.

During public comment, Susan Gurgames of 1605 Gray Street asked for an extension to clean up her yard. Council Member Cary Kennedy told Gurgames she has roughly 30 days before the city would perform cleanup and place a lien on the property. Donell Lewis of 6521 Hawks Place urged the council to reconsider removing a stop sign at Ziglar, and Gary Waters of 8378 Farley Avenue raised concerns about drivers not stopping at a four-way stop near his home and separately complained that a neighbor’s grass is cut only once a year.

The council also announced a public meeting on Jan. 26, 2026, regarding a proposed Aldi development.