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Council hears first readings on 3M wastewater franchise and keeping FY27 ad valorem levy unchanged
Summary
On April 20 the council reviewed a franchise agreement for a 3M force main discharging pretreated wastewater into Decatur Utilities and held a first reading of the FY27 ad valorem tax levy, with officials saying no increase is planned and any raise would likely require a public vote under Alabama law.
The City Council heard first readings of two ordinances during the April 20 work session: a franchise agreement enabling a 3M force main to discharge pretreated wastewater into Decatur Utilities, and an ordinance to adopt the annual ad valorem tax levy for fiscal year 2027 with no increase proposed.
City staff explained the 3M arrangement is intended to move ongoing remediation flows into Decatur Utilities’ system after pretreatment and said the discharge is subject to ADEM permitting and monitoring. Council members asked whether Alabama Department of Environmental Management inspects the discharge; staff responded that the system must meet ADEM standards and is monitored as part of the permitting process.
On the ad valorem levy, staff cited Alabama state code section 11-51-42 and said the city continues its current assessment practice. Officials noted that a change to increase the ad valorem tax would likely require a public vote under state law; the first reading did not increase rates.
Both items were presented for first reading; no votes on final passage were recorded in the work session transcript. Council discussion focused on regulatory oversight of the 3M discharge and assurances that the work is part of a remediation commitment.
