Mayor highlights improved revenues, summer programs and new civic academy

Mayor addressed the council and public with a brief citywide update that front‑loaded finances and community programs. He reported that April sales-and-use tax rose about 2.5% and year‑to‑date collections are improving; gasoline tax receipts were described as roughly 40% higher year‑over‑year for April and up nearly 22% month‑to‑month. The mayor said the city expects to add at least $2,000,000 to reserves and to have the general‑fund balance near 20% of the current budget when FY2026 closes.

The mayor also promoted Montgomery's summer offerings and two new initiatives. He outlined summer camps and teen programs (June 1–July 24) and announced a free, in‑person municipal citizens program, the PAVE Academy, aimed at residents 21 and older; the inaugural class begins June 11 and applications are due May 31. He said the city recently joined Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Youth Climate Action Fund to support youth‑led sustainability projects.

The mayor introduced Lynn Head as the city’s new city attorney and recognized Grace Aragon of the finance/accounting division for earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Auburn University at Montgomery. "Her commitment reflects the values that we strive to instill in our workforce," the mayor said.

Why it matters: the fiscal numbers the mayor offered signal modest revenue growth that the administration says will strengthen reserves and support planned capital priorities. The new civic academy and youth climate program are intended to increase resident engagement and create pathways for youth leadership.

The council took no formal vote related to the mayor’s remarks; the meeting moved on to other agenda items after the presentation.