PIEDMONT, AL — The Piedmont City Council reviewed the city’s annual audit, approved a major gas line replacement project, addressed resident concerns, and received monthly reports from the police and fire departments during its recent work session and regular meeting.
During the work session, Brandy Faulkner of Kemp and Associates presented the city’s audit report, stating that the firm found no reportable problems.
Faulkner noted that Piedmont spent more money than it received during each of the past two fiscal years. She said rising costs contributed to the difference between revenues and expenditures.
The council also awarded Speegle Contracting the Cast Iron Replacement Project after Utility Engineering Consultants recommended the company’s $1,580,188 bid. The project will replace approximately seven miles of gas line.
Mayor Bill Farmer said the majority of the project’s cost will be covered through grant funding, with the city responsible for only a portion of the total expense.
Police Chief Nathan Johnson asked the council to establish a speed limit on Foothills Drive following complaints from residents about speeding on the narrow, winding roadway, which previously had no posted limit. The council approved a 15 mph speed limit for the road.
Council members also approved advancing a $9,065.13 payment to Cheerleading.com for cheerleading uniforms. Mayor Farmer said the city will be reimbursed for the expense.
Residents Address Council
Three residents spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Hampton Epp, a Crestview Drive resident, expressed concern that unmanaged trees and accumulated leaves near his property could create a fire hazard.
Kim Nadir of Barlow Street raised concerns about a drainage ditch that she said causes runoff to flood her yard and damage her property. Nadir stated that the city is responsible for maintaining the easement and said work to address the issue had begun but was not completed. Mayor Farmer said the council would consult with the city attorney before determining how to proceed.
Brenda Spears asked about the operating hours of the Eubanks Welcome Center, stating that it is rarely open. Mayor Farmer responded that the facility is currently staffed approximately four hours each day but receives few visitors, making additional staffing difficult to justify.
The next regularly scheduled Piedmont City Council meeting is set for Aug. 4.
Police Department Reports June Activity
During the July 21 meeting, Chief Johnson presented the Piedmont Police Department’s monthly activity report.
The department made 34 arrests, charging 37 individuals with misdemeanors and five with felony offenses. Officers conducted 592 self-initiated contacts, completed 360 extra patrols and property checks, issued 44 traffic citations, and investigated eight traffic accidents.
Police responded to 341 calls for service, with 73 resulting in official reports. Officers logged 6,891 patrol miles during the month.
The dispatch center received 1,682 phone calls, handled 447 rescue dispatches, including 274 within the city and 173 outside the city, dispatched 109 fire calls, and processed 14 after-hours utility calls.
The municipal court collected $8,258 during June 2026, with $3,956.50 retained by the City of Piedmont.
Fire Department Responds Primarily to Medical Calls
Fire Chief Todd Kirkland reported that the Piedmont Fire Department responded to 112 calls during June.
Only three calls involved actual fires, while another three were rescue incidents.
Medical emergencies accounted for the majority of responses, with 70 calls involving incidents such as falls, unconscious individuals, and chest pain. The department also responded to 16 public service calls, 12 non-emergency incidents, and eight hazardous situations.
