Mayor invites Huntsville residents to town hall on proposed county jail tax

The mayor of Huntsville invited residents to a city‑sponsored town hall at 6 p.m. April 30 at the Carol Electric Community Room, 5056 Highway 412B, to discuss a proposed county maintenance-and-operation tax for the jail ahead of a May 13 special election.

The town hall is intended to give residents “for or against” the tax a chance to ask questions and make statements so they can cast an educated vote, the mayor said. He told listeners that concerns raised by constituents are “valid and reasonable” and that the city will request the county’s participation after announcing the plan at the April 14 city council meeting.

County elected officials, the mayor said, have been receptive and have agreed to make themselves available to attend the session. The mayor emphasized the event is informational, not an endorsement: “This town hall meeting is not an endorsement for any panelist or elected official,” he said.

Organizers warned that seating will be limited and said they hope to provide a livestream for those who cannot attend in person. The mayor said he will publish ground rules for the meeting in the days before the event and will reiterate them on the day of the town hall. He repeatedly asked attendees and panelists to be respectful and patient during the session.

The mayor closed by saying the town hall is designed specifically for questions and statements about the jail and proposed tax and invited citizens of Huntsville and surrounding areas to attend.