Centre City Council Approves Key Expenditures, Hears Department Updates at January Meeting

TWLN Staff Writer | The Weekly Ledger News | Local News

CENTRE, Ala. — The Centre City Council convened Tuesday evening for its regular January meeting, approving multiple expenditures, receiving quarterly departmental reports, and addressing community concerns.

Council members approved accounts payable and heard updates from several city departments, including fire, police, parks and recreation, sanitation, and administration.

Fire Chief Robert Pace reported a continued rise in emergency calls over the past year, with average response times holding just over seven minutes. Police Chief Kirk Blankenship shared that the department made more than 230 arrests and responded to 45 traffic accidents in the past year. Notably, Blankenship said the city recorded zero traffic fatalities, with no accidents attributed to speeding or driving under the influence.

Don Cothran, speaking on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Department, reported on the winterization of city facilities and said planning is already underway for the 2026 baseball and softball season. Sanitation Department representative Bobby Paul provided updates on equipment maintenance and daily operations.

During public comments, a resident voiced concerns regarding drainage issues, standing water, road conditions following utility repairs, condemned properties, and stray animals in several areas of the city. City officials acknowledged the concerns and stated they are coordinating with the appropriate departments to address the issues.

The council approved several budgeted sponsorships, including funding for the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, the annual Crappie Rodeo, and the Extended Family program. Additional approvals included the purchase of a $4,000 portable pool vacuum to address algae issues at the city pool and the purchase of new garbage dumpsters totaling $13,050 for the street department.

Council members also approved replacing a fire department generator transfer switch at a cost of $1,300, along with the purchase and installation of an emergency generator for the new Centre City Hall totaling $62,635.

An agreement with the Children’s Advocacy Center for $8,150 was approved to allow architectural work and repairs to proceed and the project to be put out for bid.

The council adopted a resolution authorizing the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission to act on the city’s behalf in preparing and submitting a grant application aimed at addressing long-standing drainage issues in the Hatcher area.

The meeting concluded with council recognition of January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, followed by closing comments from the council members.

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