OHATCHEE, AL — The Ohatchee Town Council met Tuesday, July 14, addressing community programs, recent town events, infrastructure projects, public safety needs and plans for this year’s Safe Halloween celebration.
Prior to the regular meeting, council members heard a presentation from Sheila Holland, vice president of regional development for the Liberty Learning Foundation. Holland outlined the nonprofit organization’s mission of providing citizenship, character education and financial literacy programs to Alabama students through classroom-based curriculum beginning in elementary school and continuing into high school. She said the organization currently serves tens of thousands of students across the state and plans to expand its American Character Program to sixth-grade students in Calhoun County during the 2026-27 school year.
Mayor Todd Eubanks spoke positively about the program, recalling his experience attending a recent Liberty Learning celebration after being recognized as a community hero by students. He said he was impressed by both the students’ participation and the program’s emphasis on citizenship and leadership.
The foundation requested the town consider becoming a sponsor of the program. Council members discussed the request but took no action during the meeting. Instead, members agreed to review the proposal further and place it on the agenda for a future meeting. During discussion, council members considered the possibility of sponsoring one classroom rather than funding the estimated cost for the entire program at Ohatchee schools.
Following the work session, the council approved the minutes from its June 23 work session and regular council meeting.
Mayor Eubanks also recognized the success of Ohatchee’s July 3 Independence Day celebration, thanking volunteers, performers and everyone involved in organizing the event. Officials said attendance appeared comparable to last year’s Safe Halloween celebration, with drone footage showing the town’s parking areas filled by approximately 8 p.m. despite early concerns about weather conditions. Council members noted that the larger event layout helped distribute crowds more evenly than previous events while still attracting a significant turnout.
The council also discussed several ongoing infrastructure improvements, including drainage repairs near the town entrance and additional road maintenance projects. Mayor Eubanks said recent repairs have already improved water drainage following rainfall and noted that crews will continue addressing roadway issues as funding and resources allow.
Looking ahead, officials began planning for the town’s annual Safe Halloween event, which is expected to be held on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. Discussion centered on coordinating with churches and community organizations, contacting returning food vendors, recruiting additional vendors and entertainment, and determining vendor fees and event logistics. Council members also discussed using local student groups for face painting and exploring additional family-friendly attractions.
Later in the meeting, Police Chief Kelley informed the council that the police department may request funding for one additional portable radio. Chief Kelley explained that while current handheld radios adequately cover full-time personnel during normal operations, an additional unit would improve communications during major incidents, overlapping shifts and situations requiring multiple officers. The estimated cost discussed was approximately $6,200. Council members did not vote on the request, agreeing instead to continue the discussion at a future meeting after reviewing departmental needs and operational considerations.
