Prichard mayor defends recent lock changes; council raises concerns about keys and missing records

Prichard Mayor Davis told the city council on Jan. 15 that the administration changed master locks and introduced a temporary key‑checkout system after what she described as unauthorized entry into municipal buildings and the removal of records by a former official. "We are trying to protect the assets of this city," Mayor Davis said, adding that a badge‑entry system will replace the temporary process.

Several council members pushed back, saying the city clerk historically maintained custody of building keys and records and asking to see any written policy authorizing the new procedures. Councilwoman Williams said the clerk ‘‘has always had custody of the city seal and the keys’’ and described the vault where keys were kept. Council members requested the underlying memo and a formal policy, and several urged that the dispute be examined by committee before any permanent change.

Administration officials said the temporary control is meant to track who enters municipal buildings and to prevent further unauthorized access while the city moves to badge access. Finance staffers Miss Niles and Miss Wilson were identified as city employees who can sign out keys from the civic affairs office under the temporary arrangement.

The disagreement over access and records culminated in a motion to hold an executive session to discuss a legal and character matter (case no. 26019). The council approved the motion; the recorded yes votes were Councilwoman Johnson Norwood, Councilwoman Vettis, Councilwoman Hale and Councilman Smith.

Council members said they do not oppose security but asked for documentation of the policy, clarity about the clerk’s role and a committee review. Administration officials said the measures are temporary and intended to protect city records until badge access is implemented.