March 11, 2026

Council Meeting Minutes 02-24-2026

Agenda

Minutes

CITY OF SOUTHSIDE
COUNTY OF ETOWAH
STATE OF ALABAMA

The City Council of the City of Southside convened in a regular meeting in Council Chambers at City of Southside City Hall, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Prior notice of this meeting was given in compliance with Resolution No. 0-035-2005 of the City of Southside, Alabama, and the Alabama Open Meetings Act. Mayor Joey Statum called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m., with Councilman Shane Hamm leading the prayer.

The following were present: Mayor Joey Statum, Council Members: Keith Clay, Jennifer McGriff, Joseph Hutchins, Shane Hamm, and Danny Garnett. With a quorum present, the meeting was called to order for business transactions.
Mayor Statum presented the minutes of the February 10, 2026, regular council meeting and asked if there were any corrections or additions. Hearing none, Keith Clay made a motion to suspend the reading and approve the minutes as written. The motion received a second from Danny Garnett. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion carried.
WORK SESSION began at 5:05
Mayor Statum introduced Ms. Joella Bogel of MDA Professional Group, who presented the Fiscal Year 2025 audit report. She reported the audit resulted in an unmodified (clean) opinion, indicating the City’s financial statements were materially correct and internal controls were functioning as designed. No material weaknesses or significant deficiencies were identified. Ms. Bogel reviewed key financial highlights, noting increases in total assets and net position and decreases in liabilities. Sales tax revenues showed significant growth, and operating grants increased due in part to recycling and other grant funding. She provided recommendations, including increasing the capital asset threshold from $1,000 to $5,000 and adopting formal financial policies and procedures to improve consistency, transparency, and future funding opportunities.
Mayor Statum emphasized the importance of adopting financial policies for the City’s credit rating and future bond financing. The audit report was placed on the agenda under New Business for approval.
The Mayor recognized Finance Director/Treasurer Nikki Pylant, who presented information regarding the potential payoff of the City’s General Obligation 2013 debt. She reported that funds available in the account exceeded the loan balance and that an early payoff amount of $352,232.42 would result in a savings of approximately $3,374.59. The item was placed on the agenda for immediate consideration.
Director Pylant reported that the City currently maintains a high balance in its savings account and recommended investing a portion of those funds. She proposed transferring $750,000 into a 90-day certificate of deposit to earn additional interest while maintaining sufficient operating reserves. Council voted to place the item on the agenda under New Business.
Mayor Statum reviewed proposed surplus items from the Public Works Department, including a 2008 Holland backhoe, a 2008 36-inch backhoe bucket, and a 2005 International truck. The matter will be presented for action at the next council meeting.
Mayor Statum presented a proposal to address drainage issues on City-owned property on Powell Street. The project would include regrading, ditch improvements, culvert replacement, and erosion control measures to prevent flooding and protect the property. The estimated cost was discussed at approximately $20,000 or less. Council discussed the project’s purpose in minimizing property loss and preparing the property for future sale. The matter will be placed on the next agenda for consideration.
The mayor provided preliminary information regarding the replacement of garbage trucks and a proposed fleet rotation plan to maintain equipment under warranty and reduce maintenance costs. Additional information will be presented at a future meeting.
The mayor stated that an agreement with East Alabama Cooperative Purchasing Association had been included in the council’s information packet, received last Friday. Council discussed membership in the East Alabama Cooperative Purchasing Association, which would allow the city to purchase vehicles through negotiated pricing for an annual fee of $500. The item was placed on the agenda for action
OLD BUSINESS
The mayor presented a Resolution for the council to consider approving a land lease with Sewell Farms for 35.94 acres located at the corner of Hood Road and Parker Anderson Lane for commodity farming. A motion was made to approve by Danny Garnett, seconded by Jennifer McGriff. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion carried.
A Resolution was presented based on information from the February 10 council meeting. Council considered the appointment of delegates to the Alabama League of Municipalities annual business meeting. Delegates were selected by drawing. Mayor Statum will be the Voting Delegate, with Shane Hamm appointed as the primary alternate and Danny Garnett as the second alternate. A motion was made to approve by Joseph Hutchins, and was seconded by Danny Garnett. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion carried
Mayor Statum presented a sponsorship request discussed at the February 10 council meeting for the Barrie Center Pinwheels for Prevention program, which focuses on Child Abuse prevention. The Council approved an expenditure of $200 for a child abuse prevention pinwheel garden display. A motion was made by Joseph Hutchins and seconded by Shane Hamm. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion carried
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Statum stated that at this time, the council would need to either approve or reject the FY 2025 audit report. A motion was made by Danny Garnett to approve the Fiscal Year 2024–2025 financial audit report as presented. The motion was seconded by Shane Hamm. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion carried, and the Audit Report was approved.
The mayor asked the council if they wished to approve the Finance Director/Treasurer to complete the payoff of the General Obligation 2013, which she had presented to the council in the work session. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the payoff. Jennifer McGriff provided a second. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion carried, and Ms. Pylant will initiate the payoff of the obligation.
Mayor Statum presented a Resolution authorizing the mayor to enter into a contract with the East Alabama Cooperative Purchasing Association for an annual fee of $500. A motion was made by Shane Hamm to approve the Resolution. Keith Clay provided a second. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion carried.
The mayor asked the council to approve transferring $750,000 from the City’s savings account into a 90-day certificate of deposit, as was presented in the work session by the Finance Director/Treasurer. Joseph Hutchins made a motion to approve the transfer, and Jennifer McGriff provided the second. Mayor Statum stated All in favor say aye—all ayes. The motion carried.
The mayor then asked the council for individual comments:

Keith Clay: had no comments

Jennifer McGriff thanked the Finance Director/Treasurer, Nickie Pylant, for all her hard work and for keeping the finances straight.

Shane Hamm: Commended the first responders, citing a recent house fire at his home. Councilman Hamm stated that the response was immediate, and the results were incredible. He specifically thanked Fire Chief Buckner and Officer Jeremy Johnson.

Danny Garnett commended the Finance Director/Treasurer and staff on a job well done, as well as the Community Center Staff and everyone who has been putting together the city events.

Mayor Statum agreed with the council in complimenting the city staff, stating that they all worked well together, and indeed functioned as a team.

The mayor made the following announcements:

• The Next Planning Commission Meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026, in Council Chambers at 5:30
• The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Council Chambers at 5:00
• The Jacksonville State University A Cappella Choir, the Southside High School Choir, and the Southside Baptist Choir will be performing at Southside Baptist Church on Tuesday, March 3, at 7:00 P.M.
• The annual Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for March 21; Easter Bunny pictures start at 10:00 a.m., and the Egg Hunt begins at 1:00 P.M. at the Softball Complex
• The annual City-Wide Clean-up Day is Friday, March 6, from 8-12. There will be Deorios Pizza afterward, and Cooks Pest Control is also a sponsor.
There being no further business to come before the Council, Shane Hamm made a motion to adjourn, and Joseph Hutchins made a second. The mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 5:56 p.m.