BUDGET HEARING - SEPTEMBER 8, 2026

Work begins Tuesday, September 8 on ALDOT's US 31 Access Management Project between Old Montgomery Highway and Ventura Avenue. While this work is taking place in Homewood, this is a State of Alabama project being coordinated by ALDOT. Most of the work will be done during overnight hours, so this should not disrupt normal daily traffic. But drivers should expect some changing traffic patterns. The project includes upgraded traffic signals, changes to reduce conflict points and crashes, new sidewalks, ADA compliant curb ramps, pedestrian signals, and safer crossings. The total construction cost is approximately $3.3 million, funded primarily through a $1.96 million ATRIP II grant awarded by the State of Alabama, with the City of Homewood contributing approximately $1.36 million as required through the grant agreement. View entire project and images: https://bit.ly/4w9VvVu

The City Council reviewed a proposed process and evaluation form for the city manager’s six month and annual performance reviews. The Council will take up the procedures during Pre-Council on September 14, then entered executive session to discuss the potential redevelopment of an existing commercial property. Agenda: https://bit.ly/4ynxYlK

The Planning Commission approved two property resurvey requests along Oxmoor Road, including one that could support parking for a future redevelopment at 184 Oxmoor Road. A request for 215 West Valley Avenue and the case involving 832 Green Springs Highway were carried over to the October 7 meeting. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3SsbhNX

2027 Budget - Where Does the Money Come From? The City Council will begin reviewing the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget on Tuesday, September 8 at 4:00pm. The hearings will give the Council an opportunity to examine the proposal fund by fund, make adjustments and determine the City’s priorities before considering the final budget, Monday, September 28. During this first budget hearing, the City Manager will present updates to the overall budget and discuss revenue available to support it. One important source is sales tax. Broken down, that sales tax looks like this: Four cents go to the State of Alabama. Two cents go to Jefferson County. Four cents go to the City of Homewood, and then within that: One penny is dedicated to the Homewood Board of Education. One-quarter penny supports capital projects. The remaining City sales-tax revenue supports other City needs. In the proposed budget, each penny is expected to generate approximately $11.57 million. That estimate matters. If sales tax collections are higher or lower than expected, it can affect how much the City can spend. The Council will consider City’s estimated revenues, how much money should be kept in reserve and what level of spending can be sustained long term. The presented General Fund is approximately $77.9 million, but that number will change based on information gathered since the presentation on August 10th. The Council will also make changes throughout the hearing process. The proposed budget was prepared under Homewood’s new council-manager form of government. Under the new process, the City Manager develops and presents a proposed budget, and the City Council reviews, revises and ultimately adopts the final spending plan. All budget hearings are open to the public and will be live streamed and recorded. Additional hearings are scheduled to begin at 4:00pm on September 15, 17 and 21, with September 24 reserved for a final hearing if needed. The Council plans to consider adoption of the FY27 budget on Monday, September 28. Fiscal Year 2027 begins October 1. All figures remain proposed and are subject to change until the City Council adopts the final budget. Complete Budget Hearing Schedule

Please join us in welcoming Aspen Collins as Homewood’s new Finance Director. Aspen brings more than 20 years of local government experience to the City. She most recently served Mobile County as Deputy Finance Director and Deputy County Administrator. She has also served as Finance Director for the Tuscaloosa and Bessemer housing authorities, along with roles as Finance Director and City Manager in two Nashville suburbs. We are glad to have Aspen bring that experience to Homewood and look forward to the work ahead.

Pre-Council Meeting - AUGUST 24, 2026

Have you ever parked in one of the two compact parking spaces beside Patriot Park near the playground? The City Council recently approved a new city-wide definition of what size vehicle can park in those and other compact designated spaces. What are the requirements? A "compact vehicle" must be small enough to fit completely inside the marked parking space when properly positioned. No part of the vehicle can extend beyond the outside edges of the lines. When larger SUVs or trucks park in those end spaces, they can block the view of children crossing the street to and from Patriot Park and nearby businesses. Keeping those available for smaller vehicles will help keeps our kids safe! Read the Ordinance HERE

You can't climb on him anymore... but beginning Monday, August 17 , you can lean on him to help you navigate information from across the City. Who are we talking about? Our new website chatbot, Bugsy! This little guy will help you find information, get answers to your questions, and connect with the services you need quickly and easily. Bugsy will be available 24/7, and can speak more than 70 languages. We're one of the first cities in Alabama to launch this specific type of tool, and we hope Bugsy, in his new role, continues to be a helpful part of our community for many years to come. About Citibot The City of Homewood is partnering with Citibot , a leader in AI-powered communication solutions for local governments, to provide this great resource. Based in Charleston, SC, Citibot LLC was founded in 2016 with the mission of making government services accessible to all. Citibot CEO Bratton Riley was inspired by the power of conversational chatbots to help governments become more accessible and accountable. “Expectations for quality customer service are always rising,” said Riley. “Cities and counties like Homewood are leading the way, implementing technology that enhances efficiency and improves access to essential information and services.” Citibot provides AI-powered chatbot solutions that enhance communication between residents and local governments. Using smart text messaging and web chat, Citibot enables residents to quickly get answers, report issues, contact staff, and receive real-time alerts. Learn more at http://citibot.io .