Athens City Council unanimously approves grant application, tree-clearing contract and library roof appropriation

Athens City Council on July 13 unanimously approved three administrative measures: authorization to apply for a federal grant for emergency equipment, acceptance of a low bid for tree and circuit clearing for the electric department, and a one-time library roof maintenance appropriation.

Councilmember Creasy read a resolution authorizing the mayor’s office to apply for up to $200,000 through the 2026 Homeland Security Grant Program to fund emergency operations items — “including generator with switch for City Hall, traffic barriers and light towers,” he said. The project was described as having an estimated total cost of about $225,000, with the city’s capital project budget covering any remainder if the grant is awarded.

“Be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Athens, Alabama, that the mayor’s office is authorized to apply for $200,000 through the 2026 Homeland Security Grant Program,” Creasy read.

The council approved that resolution by roll call, 5–0.

Councilman Lucas presented a resolution authorizing the electric service director to accept the low bid of $48,411 from Woodson Tree LLC for exit-circuit clearing for the electric department, to be paid from the City of Athens 2022 bond funds. The council voted 5–0 to accept the low bid.

Councilwoman Golden read a resolution to authorize the mayor or city clerk to execute a one-time appropriation of up to $6,000 to the Houston Memorial Library for roof maintenance and repairs, to be funded by a General Fund budget amendment (line 10052590101). The motion passed on a 5–0 roll call.

The council approved the meeting’s consent calendar (items A–G) earlier in the session by a 5–0 roll call vote.

Next steps: the Homeland Security grant application will be submitted as authorized; if awarded, the grant would cover up to $200,000 and the city would cover remaining costs from the capital project account. The other measures will be carried out by the respective departments per standard procurement and payment processes.

Votes at a glance - Consent calendar (items A–G): moved by Councilwoman Golden; seconded; vote 5–0. - Item H — 2026 Homeland Security Grant Program application (up to $200,000): read by Councilmember Creasy; seconded by Councilwoman Henry; vote 5–0. - Item I — Accept low bid $48,411 from Woodson Tree LLC (utility circuit clearing): read by Councilman Lucas; seconded; vote 5–0. Funded from 2022 bond funds. - Item J — One-time appropriation up to $6,000 to Houston Memorial Library (roof maintenance): read by Councilwoman Golden; moved with suspended rules; seconded by Councilwoman Henry; vote 5–0. Funded by General Fund budget amendment (line 10052590101).