OHATCHEE, AL — The Ohatchee Town Council met Tuesday, October 27, 2026, to review the town’s proposed 2027 budget, discuss infrastructure improvements, address employee recruitment and benefits, and receive updates on economic development and community projects. The meeting also included a proclamation recognizing Alabama Farm-City Week and remarks from incoming Calhoun County Commissioner Micheal Webb.
2027 Budget Review
Mayor Todd Eubanks presented the proposed 2027 budget, explaining that the document provides a more detailed accounting of the town’s revenues and expenditures than previous budgets.
Eubanks said he spent approximately three months preparing the budget and working with employees to finalize the figures.
The proposed budget includes approximately $2,774,075 in revenues and projects $178,375 in net operating income.
The mayor explained that the budget accounts for expenditures across town operations, including police services, sanitation, water and wastewater treatment, equipment purchases, and infrastructure improvements.
Recent expenses included a new tractor, police vehicles, air conditioning equipment, and startup costs associated with the town’s rapid response operations.
Eubanks described the revenue projections as conservative and noted that several major equipment purchases would not be recurring startup expenses.
During the discussion, a council member expressed concern that the projected $178,375 surplus, while positive, provided limited flexibility for additional projects.
Eubanks acknowledged the concern but noted that the town maintains reserves and intends to address previously planned improvements.
No vote to adopt the proposed budget was recorded during the meeting. Council members were encouraged to review the figures and submit questions.
Road Repairs and Infrastructure Improvements
Road maintenance was a significant topic during the budget discussion.
Eubanks said Ohatchee is responsible for approximately 11.6 miles of roads and that resurfacing costs could range from approximately $500,000 to $700,000 per mile.
With approximately $600,000 in savings referenced during the discussion, the mayor emphasized the importance of cooperation with Calhoun County on road projects.
The town has been working with county officials and engineers to identify areas requiring repairs, including portions of Mohawk and Cherokee.
Eubanks said work on several problem areas is expected to begin in spring 2027. Identified concerns include standing water, deteriorating pavement, damaged curbing, and embankment problems.
The mayor indicated that the town is willing to share costs with the county to complete necessary improvements.
The proposed budget also includes $100,000 for renovations to the town’s commercial strip, including roofing and other improvements. Additional infrastructure expenses may require budget amendments depending on project costs and available funding.
Pickleball Court Lighting and Electrical Improvements
The council discussed plans to install lighting at the town’s pickleball courts, which were constructed under the previous administration.
Eubanks said Coosa Valley representatives had agreed to donate labor for the project, leaving the town responsible for materials.
The work would include installing new poles and electrical service infrastructure at the former ballfield property.
The mayor said existing electrical infrastructure in the area has deteriorated, including wooden poles that need replacement, and that the improvements would address safety concerns while supporting future recreational use.
Funding could come from the Town of Ohatchee Alabama Trust Fund, which currently contains approximately $162,397.
Eubanks said the fund may be used for eligible municipal improvements, allowing the town to complete the project without drawing from its general fund or savings.
A final project cost had not been determined. The mayor said he expected to provide a more specific estimate at the next meeting.
Police Recruitment, Overtime and Employee Health Insurance
Council members also discussed challenges recruiting and retaining police officers, particularly because of differences in compensation and family health insurance benefits between Ohatchee and neighboring municipalities.
The police department currently offers starting pay of approximately $20 per hour, compared with $22 per hour in Ragland.
During the discussion, officials said Ragland also provides family health insurance coverage and scheduled pay increases, with officers potentially earning $24 per hour after two years.
Ohatchee officials explained that family insurance costs have prevented otherwise qualified applicants from accepting positions.
The department reported operating short-staffed for approximately seven months during the previous 12-month period, contributing to roughly $80,000 in overtime expenses.
Officials also discussed the importance of maintaining hiring standards despite recruitment challenges.
Deubanks said he had researched employee insurance programs in Ragland, Glencoe, and Weaver, including arrangements where municipalities gradually increase their contributions toward family coverage based on years of service.
The mayor proposed obtaining detailed cost estimates for expanded family health insurance benefits by the end of December or early January.
He emphasized that any changes should also consider eligible town employees outside the police department.
If approved, additional insurance expenses would be paid from the general fund and incorporated into future budgets.
No changes to employee benefits were approved during the meeting.
Economic Development and O’Reilly Auto Parts
Eubanks provided an update on efforts to bring an O’Reilly Auto Parts location to Ohatchee.
The mayor said the company had previously entered into a purchase agreement involving property adjacent to Town Hall but that the proposed location appeared uncertain.
According to Eubanks, representatives associated with the company had also examined the existing Family Dollar property, including conducting measurements and asbestos testing.
He said he had not received definitive information from company representatives about the final location.
The mayor stated that he had been told the auto parts business intended to begin operating in Ohatchee during 2027, although no specific opening date was provided.
The existing purchase agreement included a 90-day due diligence period that was nearing completion.
Deubanks said he was already exploring alternative development opportunities for the original property in case the transaction did not proceed.
No formal announcement regarding a location change or the future of the Family Dollar store was made during the meeting.
Alabama Farm-City Week Proclamation
The council approved a proclamation recognizing November 20-26, 2026, as Alabama Farm-City Week.
The proclamation acknowledges the contributions of farmers, rural communities, urban residents, and businesses involved in agricultural production and distribution.
Eubanks discussed the importance of cooperation between rural and urban communities in supporting agriculture and the nation’s food supply.
Following a motion and second, the proclamation was approved without recorded opposition.
Incoming Commissioner Micheal Webb Addresses Council
Incoming Calhoun County Commissioner Micheal Webb attended the meeting and spoke about his plans to work with Ohatchee officials.
Webb, who will succeed Carolyn Henderson, said he had already participated in community discussions and was becoming familiar with county operations.
He emphasized the importance of cooperation between the Calhoun County Commission and the Ohatchee Town Council, particularly regarding roads and community improvements.
Webb said he had previously served as an Anniston police officer for 12 years and was looking forward to beginning his responsibilities as commissioner.
He also discussed his ongoing meetings with county officials as he prepares to take office.
Both Webb and town officials expressed interest in strengthening coordination on local infrastructure and community projects.
Janney Furnace Events and Improvements
The council discussed efforts to restore recreational activities and community events at Janney Furnace.
Eubanks said plans were underway to bring back the site’s Civil War reenactment in February 2027, although the exact date was not provided during the meeting.
Officials also discussed reviving the Bluegrass Festival, which previously attracted visitors and performers to the area.
The two events would be held separately, with the possibility of scheduling the bluegrass event during the fall.
Improvements to approximately 25 campsites at Janney Furnace were also discussed, including restoring utility connections to accommodate campers.
Eubanks said town officials were working with individuals involved in past events to help rebuild participation.
Webb expressed support for the site’s redevelopment and discussed opportunities for cooperation between the county, town, and community organizations.
The incoming commissioner also said he planned to attend an upcoming Janney Furnace meeting to learn more about the organization’s goals.
Additional discussion included potential Easter egg hunts and other activities designed to increase community use of the property.
No specific funding commitments or project costs were approved during the discussion.
Harts Ferry Park Erosion and Grant Funding
Eubanks provided an update on erosion problems at Harts Ferry Park, explaining that the town was not awarded a previously sought grant of approximately $1 million.
The mayor said the application had focused on approximately 330 feet of shoreline requiring immediate attention, but the scope of the proposed work was interpreted more broadly during the review process.
According to Eubanks, grant representatives recommended dividing the shoreline improvements into multiple phases.
The mayor said the town intends to reapply during the January-February 2027 application period.
In the meantime, he has been working with Coosa Riverkeeper representatives to identify other possible funding sources for the most urgent erosion concerns.
Eubanks also discussed the possibility of using local contractors to stabilize affected areas with soil and large riprap.
He said Alabama Power had authorized the town to reclaim portions of shoreline previously lost to erosion, although the town remains responsible for the property.
The mayor noted that available funding would depend partly on the outcome of another pending grant application for a senior transportation bus.
If that grant is unsuccessful, the town could face approximately $100,000 in costs to purchase a bus, potentially delaying shoreline stabilization expenses.
No immediate funding authorization for the park improvements was announced.
Safe Halloween Planning
The council also discussed final preparations for the town’s Safe Halloween activities.
Eubanks indicated that officials would continue coordinating event details following the regular meeting.
Because the event had already been authorized, no additional council vote was required.
