Tuscaloosa · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tuscaloosa public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Demolition of blighted structures
Two houses — one fire-damaged on 18th Street and one on 23rd Street — are headed for demolition votes. Owners aren't contesting, and the 18th Street lot can't be rebuilt under current zoning.
Hazmat equipment donation for Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue
Fire Rescue gets to keep $1,989 from ServPro's charity golf tournament and $500 from Judson L. Greene/Boundary Medical tied to a statewide EMS challenge event.
Blighted property demolitions delayed again
Two condemned houses with nearly 100 code violations between them will be torn down, with costs billed to the owners. Three more demolition cost hearings are set for October 13.
Voluntary condemnations and demolitions
Two properties — 3620 23rd Street and 3209 7th Street — have sat on the demolition docket for months and years, repeatedly tabled. Neighbors near either site have a stake in whether the council finally acts.
Annual CPI adjustment for towing fees delayed
Towing companies are waiting on the annual CPI-based fee increase required by Section 21-84 of the city code, which should have taken effect October 1. The operator asked for a timeline, legal clarification, and possible back-pay for the gap.
Generator maintenance contract
The city relies on roughly 88 backup generators at police stations, fire stations and City Hall. This contract keeps them on a routine preventive maintenance schedule so they work when storms knock out power.
Emergency notification services contract
County EMA dropped Everbridge for mass alerts, but the city wants to keep using two Everbridge features — internal callouts for emergencies like standing up the EOC, and the Nixel community notification program.
Demolition liens for three blighted properties
The council was scheduled to set demolition costs and authorize liens on structures at 2806 and 2808 Short Street and 2317 Jack Warner Parkway. Liens mean the city recovers cleanup costs from the property owners.
Fairness of downtown occupancy checks
A resident questioned whether a weekend occupancy check at Grandstand was applied evenly, noting large crowds at other nearby bars. The public safety director responded that every bar on the Strip was visited that night and no business was targeted.
Fire department training services contract (OCA-26-0786)
The department is replacing three separate software vendors with one, cheaper provider (TargetSolutions/Vector Solutions) for training and records management. It should save money and simplify daily use for officers and firefighters.
Police body armor and ballistic shields
Two items on the agenda concerned officer protection: a donated set of eight rifle-rated ballistic shields from Central Alabama Asphalt, and a federal grant application to cover half the cost of 70 bulletproof vests.
Federal JAG Grant for Police Patrol Vehicle
A $5,000 donation will buy eight ballistic shields for patrol vehicles, and the committee authorized two more grant actions: a traffic safety overtime program and an application for bulletproof vests for 70 officers.
Structure demolitions at 16th Avenue East and Eastwood
The council scheduled public hearings on ordering demolition of three structures — two at 1721/1721 ½ 16th Avenue East and one at 30 Eastwood. Demolition orders address blighted or unsafe properties in the neighborhoods.
Demolition orders for two long-vacant buildings
Two structures — at 2018 Dinah Washington Avenue and 2722 22nd Street — were scheduled for demolition orders after being tabled since last October and January.
Demolition of structures at 5244 Overbrook Road and 17 Reece Court
The council will hold public hearings on tearing down two structures deemed unsafe or unfit. Owners had a chance to respond before the city orders demolition.
36th Avenue East drainage condemnation
The council authorized condemnation to acquire property needed for drainage improvements on 36th Avenue East, moving a flood-relief project forward.
Opioid settlement funds directed to treatment and prosecution
Opioid settlement money was directed to Phoenix House for addiction services and to the District Attorney's Office for prosecution-related work.
Homeless prevention funding boost
About $9,800 in federal grant money moves from rapid rehousing to homeless prevention — helping people facing eviction or doubled-up situations rather than those already on the street.
Opioid settlement funding for agencies
A resolution would direct opioid settlement money to various agencies serving the community. This is part of the national settlement funds flowing to states and cities for addiction treatment and prevention.
FY26 federal justice assistance grant
Tuscaloosa would apply for its share of a $75,494 federal grant to buy a police patrol vehicle, with the county getting MDUs — all with no city match required.
Code of Tuscaloosa Section 19-42, Exhibit D amendment
An amendment to the water and sewer exhibits in section 19-42 of the code was scheduled for introduction — this governs how water and sewer charges are structured.
Opioids settlement agreement
Two appropriations of opioid settlement funds are on the agenda: one for the Phoenix House and one for the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney's Office.
Pedestrian safety bollard grant application
The city is chasing a federal grant to install bollards — protective posts that stop vehicles from hitting pedestrians.
Fire Marshal compliance-tracking platform
Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue wants a centralized digital system to track fire code compliance, required inspections, notifications, and reporting. The good news for taxpayers: the agreement with Brycer L.P. carries no cost to the City.
Ambulance service rate ordinance
An ordinance amending Ordinance No. 7474, which sets rates for franchised ambulance service, was set for introduction and possible adoption by unanimous consent.
2027 Fire Department Promotional Process
The city contracts with an outside firm to run fair, standardized promotions for fire and police personnel, alternating departments each year. The 2027 cycle covers fire ranks from apparatus operator to deputy chief, using written exams, practical assessment centers, and seniority points.
Demolition of buildings at 1601 Mimosa Park Road
A public hearing was set on ordering demolition of thirteen buildings at 1601 Mimosa Park Road, a sign the structures were likely considered unsafe or blighted.
Homeland Security Fire grant equipment purchase
The city would use an $87,000 federal Homeland Security Fire grant to buy a gooseneck trailer and an octagon shelter for the Fire Department. This brings federal money into local emergency response capabilities.
2027 Public Safety Promotional Process
The city contracts with an outside firm to run fair, standardized promotions for fire and police personnel, alternating departments each year. The 2027 cycle covers fire ranks from apparatus operator to deputy chief, using written exams, practical assessment centers, and seniority points.
Consumable hemp process
K and A Foodmart, LLC dba Twin Store Package Store sought a specialty retailer of consumable hemp products license, which goes through public safety review. The committee's recommendation matters for where hemp products can be sold in the city.
Consumable hemp products ordinance
A new Chapter 7 Article XIV in the city code was scheduled for introduction, establishing local regulation of consumable hemp products — something that affects retailers and consumers of hemp items in Tuscaloosa.
Fire Rescue Department operations update
The fire chief was scheduled to brief committee members on the department's current status. Fire service levels affect response times and public safety across every district.
No-cost police services contract with Off Duty Management, Inc.
The committee considered a professional services contract with Off Duty Management, Inc. to support Tuscaloosa Police Department operations at no cost to the city. Such contracts typically manage scheduling and administration of supplemental police work.
City Hall Annex 1 generator replacement
A new generator and transfer switch for City Hall Annex 1 keeps the building powered during outages, along with fire pump removal and connection relocation.
Airport aircraft surveillance system
The airport tower, which currently has no radar, will get ADS-B technology letting controllers track aircraft electronically. Costs are split with the airport's FBO, and federal reimbursement is possible.
Alcohol license across from Central High School
A convenience store directly across from Central High School is changing ownership and wants a retail beer and wine license. Council flagged the proximity but raised no objection in pre-council.
Beer and wine license — Spark by Hilton University Tuscaloosa
The Prinshiv, LLC sought an on- or off-premises retail beer and retail table wine license for the Spark by Hilton hotel near the University of Alabama. Alcohol service at a hotel close to campus is the kind of request the public safety committee weighs closely.
Emergency services grants and planning
The mayor was to be authorized to seek a federal Project Safe Neighborhoods grant and to sign a $110,000 funding contract with Temporary Emergency Services, Inc.
Public safety barriers at city events
A state grant would fund $200,000 in public safety barriers used to protect crowds at city events, with no local match required.
Public Safety / Street Closure
A state grant would fund $200,000 in public safety barriers used to protect crowds at city events, with no local match required.
Revision of city employee conduct and discipline rules
The city's list of fireable offenses hasn't been fully updated in 20-25 years, leaving gaps around modern technology and security systems. The amendment adds rules on bypassing building security, tampering with cameras and tech, disabling vehicle GPS trackers, and misrepresenting hours worked.
Unsafe structure demolitions
The city moved to tear down unsafe structures at 2736 Beech Street and 512 24th Avenue East, with a hearing to charge the 3006 27th Street demolition cost to the owner. Blight removal and cost recovery, both standard nuisance-abatement steps.
2026 Emergency Operations Plan
The Mayor was asked to execute the updated 2026 Tuscaloosa County Emergency Operations Plan, the playbook the city and county use for disasters and major emergencies.
Police equipment replacements
The budget revision funds a replacement police motorcycle (partly via insurance proceeds), a new bomb suit, and federally surplus (LESO) equipment for the police department.
Gun violence prevention grant (Project Safe Neighborhoods)
The police department sought authorization to apply for a $50,000 federal grant to fund evidence-based gun-violence prevention and community engagement — at no cost to the city.