The Scottsboro City Council moved through a full agenda last week, balancing discussions on community events, departmental needs and long-range planning. Ten items were presented during the council’s work session, with eight advancing to votes in the subsequent meeting.
Organizer Brent Miller of the Scottsboro BBQ Festival requested $15,000 to support the 10th anniversary of the event, which is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 11. Council members heard that the milestone year will feature larger payouts for several competitions and an expanded marketing campaign designed to draw more visitors. The request passed unanimously during the meeting.
The council also approved a $5,000 tourism grant for the Scottsboro High School band’s annual marching competition, “Where the Mountains Meet the Lakes”, set for Saturday, Oct. 18. Band Booster member Tracy Goff told council members the 2024 contest drew more than 5,000 spectators and was among the best organized in the event’s history. Still, he said one complaint he heard repeatedly from residents was that they did not know the competition was taking place. To address that, this year’s budget includes a stronger focus on advertising and promotion.
The Scottsboro Industrial Development Board asked the council to rezone property in the city’s industrial park from M-1 to M-2. That request will appear on the Sept. 22 agenda for consideration to move forward to a public hearing.
Mayor Jim McCamy received renewed authority to apply for annual airport improvement funding. The resolution, which has become a routine step each year, ensures the city remains eligible for state and federal grants that support upgrades at the Scottsboro Municipal Airport.
The council also approved two requests from the Scottsboro Fire Department. Fire Chief Jon Lee received permission to surplus out-of-service turnout coats and pants, which he plans to donate to the Kevin Dukes Career and Innovation Academy for training purposes. In addition, the department’s job descriptions will be updated to reflect additional fire college certifications required for certain positions.
The council declared an ARM leaf collection unit and a 2008 Ford F-350 truck from the Street Department as surplus. Proceeds from their sale will be directed to the department’s general fund.
Members also approved 90 percent of the city’s 2025-26 budget, totaling $26.8 million. The approval ensures city departments can continue operating under the new fiscal year while final adjustments are completed.
The council also granted a one-time holiday for city employees on Columbus Day. Council members noted the move as a gesture of appreciation for staff across all departments.
