Statement from the City of Homewood on Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts Review
Statement from the City of Homewood on Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts Review
January 10, 2025, Homewood AL- The city of Homewood has reviewed the Limited Special Review by the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts of the city’s financial system concerning both the use of city credit cards and a separate fraudulent misappropriation of funds by a former city employee. The city was the first to discover both issues and quickly began taking steps to improve Homewood’s oversight of its accounting system.
“Just after we initiated our deeper dive and discovered troubling shortcomings in the control of city finances, we started the process of strengthening our policies,” said Homewood Mayor Alex Wyatt. “We have already met with the state examiners and appreciate their work because their recommendations will help us continue our efforts to make sure our finance department works more securely so that expenditures of public funds are properly tracked in strict adherence to sound business and audit standards.”
The city was the to first to uncover suspicious movements of city funds after Robert Burgett retired as Finance Director in March 2024 and immediately reported them to local, state, and federal authorities. While an FBI investigation continues, Burgett is now awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to three federal charges of wire fraud. Insurance has covered $500,000 of the more than $947,000 that Burgett illegally transferred into his personal accounts. The city is diligently working to recover additional monies.
In October 2023, the city council started a review of the use of city credit cards by city employees after possible irregularities were uncovered. Substantial personal reimbursements have already been made to the city. The city is conducting a review of an outstanding financial obligation of approximately $1,300 by an employee. Former Finance Director Burgett, who conducted the illegal wire transfers is also responsible for almost $10,000 in disputed credit card charges. Both credit card cases are being referred by the state auditors to the Alabama attorney general for collection.
In November 2023, the city council voted to strengthen policies on the use of city cards, which include:
- A reduction in the number of cards in use.
- Cards can only be used for official, pre-authorized, city expenditures and not for any personal expenditures, cash advances, or alcohol purchases.
- Cards can only be used for eligible travel costs, including conference registration and associated fees, lodging and transportation. Meals are limited to $75 a day with fully itemized receipts.
- Cards are not intended for purchases that can be made via normal purchasing procedures, except for emergencies or purchases personally authorized by a department head or the mayor.
- Card purchases will be audited by the finance department on a monthly basis.
- Infractions of the credit card policy can lead to disciplinary action and recovery of funds through a reduction in employee paychecks.
- Professional management oversight of the city was strengthened last September when voters approved a new form of government by creating the new position of city manager to take over chief executive duties in November 2025. The city has already started a search for an interim manager who could start in March.
“A full-time city manager will bring an experienced professional in public administration with budget management skills and significant supervisory experience to the city,” said Walter Jones, president of the Homewood city council. “This is a meaningful step as the city council continues to review financial issues to assure that taxpayer dollars are correctly spent in an accountable manner.”
You can also read more about Homewood's finance director making recommendations to safeguard assets HERE.
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The City Council set a unified course for the City Manager selection. In a special called Council meeting on January 29, city leaders focused on how Homewood moves forward in selecting its next city manager. Council members discussed transparency and timing considerations, and emphasized the importance of unity and shared support behind the final hire. They unanimously agreed to continue the current interview process, keeping it structured and professional while allowing council members to help shape follow up questions that will further evaluate the finalists. The meeting reviewed progress so far, including 61 applications received, first round interviews nearing completion, and a forthcoming shortlist of candidates. The approved resolution keeps interviews facilitated by staff experts while incorporating council input, and it passed 5 to 0.
Homewood residents took part in a hands on Comprehensive Plan workshop, Wednesday, January 28, sharing what they love about the city and where they see room to grow. People highlighted places like downtown, Edgewood, Central Park, Patriot Park, our schools, and neighborhood character as strengths worth protecting. They also pointed to areas like Brookwood Mall, Green Springs, Valley Avenue, and Rosedale as places that need attention. Common themes focused on safety, sidewalks, connectivity, stormwater, and making it easier to move around the city. This is part of Homewood’s Comprehensive Planning process. Another workshop is happening today, Thursday,January 29 from 9:00am to 7:00pm at the Senior Center, and you can drop by anytime. There will also be several more opportunities to take part throughout the year.
PUBLIC MEETING 1 Wednesday, January 28 WATCH WORKSHOP VIDEO PUBLIC MEETING 2 Thursday, January 29 9:00am and 7:00pm Senior Center in West Homewood (816 Oak Grove Road) All day community planning workshop. Drop in anytime between 9:00am and 7:00pm to share ideas and help shape the plan. *There are several more meetings planned - we will inform you when we have those dates The City of Homewood is starting work on a new city-wide Comprehensive Plan. This plan will serve as a roadmap for how Homewood grows, invests, and serves its residents over the next 25 years. Homewood’s current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2007. Since then, a lot has changed, and more change is coming. With the city moving to a Council-Manager form of government , this is a key time to clarify what matters most to residents. The plan will help inform capital improvements, public service priorities, housing trends, transportation needs, and future land use. It will also give newly elected officials clear direction on what the community values. Your Voice, Your City Every resident will have a chance to be involved. This isn’t just a document, it’s a shared vision for Homewood’s future, shaped by the people who live here. The plan will reflect the needs of each of the city’s four wards and identify short, medium, and long-term projects for both public and private investment. Whether it's about where new housing fits, what kinds of businesses we want, or how we move around, this process is about making those choices together.
Council Backs Expanded Surgical Care In Homewood Council Meeting January 26, 2026 The council has approved two resolutions authorizing letters of support for the new Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center ambulatory surgery facility, a step that signals long term investment in local health care access and capacity for the community. The letters, signed by Mayor Andress, support Andrews Sports Medicine as it moves through the state’s required certificate of need process. Council also noted that surrounding municipalities are joining in this effort and signing similar letters of support, reflecting regional alignment around the project and its potential to expand outpatient care options across the area. The action is procedural and allows the project to continue through the state review process with local and regional backing in place. Mayor Jennifer Andress presented a proclamation in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, that honored the lives lost, and reinforced Homewood’s commitment to standing against antisemitism, hate, and dehumanization in all forms. She also said City Hall will be lit yellow, a visible and intentional act that reminded the community why memory, education, and moral clarity still matter. Council formally dropped the Linden Avenue on street parking proposal, voted to condemn an unsafe structure on 26th Avenue South, heard and carried over two development items for a February 9 vote, one for Homewood Community Church and one for a Brookdale University Park pickleball court. They approved letters of support for Brookwood Baptist and Princeton ambulatory surgery centers, approved vouchers, approved use of the City Hall plaza for Taste of Homewood, and finalized council liaison appointments for boards and commissions. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3LPZxl2
Balancing Residency And Leadership Pre-Council Meeting January 26, 2026 Council had an item to consider whether Homewood should ask the Alabama Attorney General for guidance on the state law that requires a city manager to live inside the city limits they serve. Considering the current search underway for this position, council discussed the residency requirement from multiple perspectives, weighing the goal of attracting the strongest possible candidates who may not be able or willing to move to Homewood, against community expectations councilors have heard from residents, that the city manager live in Homewood and be fully invested in the city. It was clarified that this request only seeks legal clarification, not a policy decision. Other items discussed included letters of support for Brookwood Baptist’s ambulatory surgery centers as part of the certificate of need process, reviewed insurance renewals, approved applying for a Rebuild Alabama Act grant to repave part of Salter Road with a small city match, use of the City Hall plaza for Taste of Homewood on March 19, discussed adding streetlights at two busy crosswalks for safety, formalized board liaison assignments under the new council manager system, and pulled back the Linden Avenue parking restriction item to preserve on street parking in leu of making light changes to existing curb markings. Agenda: https://bit.ly/45zami2
As we watch winter weather conditions, here is how to report issues and get help if needed. Our teams are prepared, coordinated, and ready to respond to help keep the community safe. If you see unsafe sidewalks, streets, or other hazards, please report them right away. You can contact Homewood Police Department or Homewood Public Works using the info below: Report Dangerous Road Conditions Homewood Police 205-322-6200 Report Road/Sidewalk/Surface/Other Dangerous Conditions Homewood Public Works 205-332-6816 Report Power Outage to Alabama Power 1-800-888-2726 Residential General Calls to Alabama Power 1-800-245-2244 ⦿ Alabama Power Outage Maps: Customers may utilize our Outage Map and Outage Alert system to receive real-time information about outages in their area. More information can be found here: APC Outage Map ⦿ Follow Along: Customers can follow @AlabamaPower on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information and updates and visit alabamapower.com/winterweather for tips on storm safety, winter prep and managing usage.
This crew is ready! Jason Priester, Brandon Priester, and Michael Thompson will be out in front of any winter weather helping make roads safer before any impacts begin. Their work helps ensure emergency crews can move quickly when conditions change, while monitoring surface areas to keep you from harm. Along-side this crew, Homewood Fire has 4-wheel drive vehicles at every station to support medics, and city staff will also monitor for any flooding concerns. This level of preparation reflects the strength of our city leadership and staff. They plan ahead, coordinate across departments, and stay ready to serve so our community can stay safe no matter what the weather brings. Here are some helpful resources: Report Dangerous Road Conditions Homewood Police 205-322-6200 Report Road/Sidewalk/Surface/Other Dangerous Conditions HWD Public Works 205-332-6816 Report Power Outage to Alabama Power 1-800-888-2726 Residential General Calls to Alabama Power 1-800-245-2244 ⦿ Alabama Power Outage Maps: Customers may utilize our Outage Map and Outage Alert system to receive real-time information about outages in their area. More information can be found here: APC Outage Map ⦿ Follow Along: Customers can follow @AlabamaPower on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information and updates and visit alabamapower.com/winterweather for tips on storm safety, winter prep and managing usage.
At the State of the City Address, January 20, 2026, Mayor Jennifer Andress shared a clear and detailed look at where Homewood stands and where it is going. The city closed 2025 with a $2.1 million surplus after employee bonuses and a 4.5 percent cost of living adjustment. Sales tax, property tax, lodging tax, business licenses, and Parks and Rec revenue all increased, with a 2026 budget of $75.6 million. Major projects are underway, including the Shades Creek Pavilion and trailhead opening this spring, the Central Avenue TAP project, completion of the Green Springs sidewalk, the Highway 31 corridor project moving toward bid in 2026, and construction beginning next month on the long awaited I-65 diverging diamond interchange near Walmart. The city is also launching its Comprehensive Plan, inviting residents to help shape the next 100 years, while continuing strong support for schools with $12 million dedicated to education in 2025.
Fire Engineer Karry Jones, Firefighter of the Year Engineer Karry Jones is the Homewood Fire Department Firefighter of the Year! He is the person people count on for the behind the scenes work that keeps a modern fire department running, from equipment readiness to technical details that the public never sees but benefits from every day. Even while recovering from an injury, Fire Chief Brandon Broadhead said he kept finding ways to help. He also served on the team that helped design Homewood’s newest fire trucks around how firefighters actually work in the field. Karry’s mindset is simple and rare. Make Homewood better tomorrow than it is today.
Council Sets The Interview Process For Hiring City Manager Pre-Council Meeting January 12, 2026 The January 12, 2026 pre-council meeting discussed the city manager search, with council reviewing interview procedures. HR Director Kim Kinder shared the job was posted December 19 with applications due January 16, listed the minimum qualifications, and said about 40 applications had been received so far. A resident asked why an ICMA credential was not required for candidates. Staff said keeping minimum requirements preserves flexibility given legal timelines and the residency requirement, while still aiming for a highly qualified hire. Council also teed up three January 26, 6:00pm public hearings, the condemnation and planned demolition of an unsafe house at 1625 26th Avenue South, an amended plan for Homewood Community Church to build a new two story 30,797 square foot facility behind The Edge with added buffers plus stormwater and traffic controls, and Brookdale University Park’s plan to replace unused parking with a fenced pickleball court with no lights. Agenda: https://bit.ly/3NgmgqM