The Scottsboro City Council addressed a number of items related to public safety, city operations and personnel. during its recent meeting, including the approval of a new alcohol license, funding for police equipment and the creation of a Special Response Team for the city.
Several of the measures discussed focused on strengthening resources for the Scottsboro Police Department while also addressing routine administrative matters within the city.
A public hearing was held regarding the approval of an alcohol license for 302 West, LLC doing business as The Vault on Laurel.
Public hearings are required before alcohol licenses are granted so citizens have an opportunity to voice support or concerns regarding the request.
During the hearing, no citizens spoke in opposition to the license. Following the close of the public hearing, the council voted to approve the issuance of the alcohol license.
The approval allows the business to move forward with alcohol sales as part of its operations within the city limits.
Council members also approved a motion to surplus a 2008 Ford Expedition belonging to the Scottsboro Police Department.
Once the vehicle is declared surplus, it can be sold or disposed of according to city procedures.
Funds received from the sale will be placed into the department’s capital account, where the money can be used toward equipment purchases or other departmental needs in the future.
One of the most significant discussions during the meeting involved the creation of the Scottsboro Police Department’s first Special Response Team (SRT).
The council approved initial funding to begin establishing the specialized unit, which officials say will strengthen the city’s ability to respond to dangerous or high-risk situations.
Previously, Lt. Cody Durham addressed the council regarding the need for the team, explaining that the idea gained urgency following an incident on July 26, 2025.
During that event, Lt. Derek Porch was shot, leading to a large-scale response and manhunt.
Durham explained that during the incident the department had to request assistance from the Madison County SWAT Team. According to Durham, it took more than three hours for the outside agency to arrive in Scottsboro.
“During that time frame, we did what we could and what we were trained to do,” Durham said, “but we realized quickly that the City of Scottsboro is growing, and we need the ability to handle these situations ourselves.”
Durham said the proposed Special Response Team would consist of specially trained officers capable of responding to high-risk situations such as barricaded suspects, armed encounters, hostage situations and other critical incidents where specialized tactics and equipment are necessary.
According to Durham, several officers have already taken initiative to prepare for the program.
Six officers have reportedly spent approximately $6,000 each out of their own pockets for specialized training and equipment related to tactical operations.
To fully equip each officer on the team, Durham estimated the cost would range between $8,000 and $9,000 per officer.
Nine personnel are currently scheduled to attend the Basic Tactical Operators Course at Jacksonville State University from April 6 through April 9.
Those attending include eight Scottsboro police officers and one firefighter from the Scottsboro Fire Department.
Durham explained that incorporating firefighters into the training allows for better coordination during emergency situations where medical response or rescue operations may be required.
The department hopes to eventually expand the team to approximately 15 to 16 members drawn from both police and fire personnel.
Having a dedicated response team within the city would allow Scottsboro to respond more quickly to critical incidents without waiting for assistance from outside agencies.
“This would allow the City of Scottsboro to handle our own incidents instead of relying on outside agencies,” Durham said.
Council member Patrick Stewart made a motion to provide initial funding of $30,000 to begin equipping and organizing the Special Response Team. The motion was approved by the council.
During the discussion, council member Donna Frederick noted that the City of Scottsboro currently has zero dollars in excess sales tax revenue available.
Council President Richard “Pudge” Bailey clarified that the $30,000 would be funded through the city’s General Fund but when the excess sales tax numbers increase the Scottsboro Police Department’s Special Response Team could request additional funding.
In another public safety measure, the council approved a budget amendment to purchase rifle-rated ballistic plates for officers with the Scottsboro Police Department.
Recently, Police Chief Greg Godfrey addressed the council regarding the need for the upgraded safety equipment.
Godfrey explained that the rifle-rated ballistic plates would provide an increased level of protection for officers responding to dangerous calls where firearms may be involved.
According to the department, the estimated cost to equip officers with the new ballistic plates is approximately $60,000.
Council member Nita Tolliver made a motion to fund the purchase using $35,000 from the City of Scottsboro’s General Fund along with $25,000 from the Scottsboro Police Department’s Special Revenue Fund.
The council voted to approve the funding.
Officials said the investment in safety equipment is intended to ensure that officers have the protection necessary when responding to potentially life-threatening situations.
The council also approved revisions to job descriptions within the Scottsboro Police Department.
The updates included adjustments to pay grades for certain positions as well as clarification regarding reporting structure within the department.
In other business, the council approved a motion to accept the resignation of Municipal Prosecutor Gene Necklaus.
The position is responsible for representing the city in municipal court proceedings involving violations of city ordinances and misdemeanor charges.
The council also announced the opening of applications for a Municipal Public Defender position.
The public defender represents individuals who are unable to afford legal representation in municipal court cases.
