Mulga council clears way for auto repair license application; mayor seeks $20,000 for fire station, approves $15,000 block‑party budget

Mulga, AL — At its April 7 meeting, the Mulga Town Council authorized a visitor to apply for a business license to open an auto repair shop, heard a request for additional fire station funding, and approved a $15,000 budget for this year’s block party.

Visitor Marquis Little told the council, “It will be an auto repair shop. I'm looking to get approval from the council to open it,” and said the lot will be reworked to provide space for vehicles and that he was aiming to open in July. Councilmember Lelan Taylor moved to allow Little to apply for a business license; Jeremy Davis seconded. The motion passed on a unanimous roll call vote.

Visitor Jonathan Goodwin said he contacted Commissioner Jimmy Stephens seeking an additional $20,000 for the town’s new fire station. Mayor W. Keith Varner reported confidence in a recent ADEM inspection, said the fire station construction is progressing and that the station’s generator has been ordered. He also noted ongoing disputes with AL Power about park-bathroom power and that mosquito spraying resumes tomorrow.

Councilmember Rachel Davis moved to approve up to $15,000 for the 2026 block party budget; Gage Kelley seconded. The motion passed on a roll call vote in favor.

Votes at a glance from the April 7 meeting: • Approval of March 5, 2026 minutes — passed (Yes: Seat 1, Seat 3, Seat 4, Seat 5, Mayor; Abstain: Seat 2). • Approval of bills for payment — passed unanimously. • Authorization for Marquis Little to apply for a business license — passed unanimously. • Approval of up to $15,000 for the 2026 block party — passed.

The council adjourned after completing the evening’s agenda. No timetable or additional funding sources were specified for the requested $20,000 county contribution toward the fire station.