By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
MOODY – At a meeting on Monday, March 13, the Moody City Council named a new police chief after Thomas Hunt announced his retirement as of March 31.
The meeting began with a recognition of Hunt, who has been chief at Moody for 11 years and has been in law enforcement for 27 years. Mayor Joe Lee expressed his gratitude on behalf of the city.
“We want to thank Chief Hunt for his service to the city of Moody,” he said. “We appreciate it and it’s a better place with all you do.”
Hunt spoke and returned his appreciation to the council, emotionally addressing the crowd.
“It was a tough decision,” he said. “Twenty-seven years in law enforcement. Eleven years as chief. I’m always here for y’all. But you know when your time comes – I’m excited for the new chapter for Moody PD.”
Reese Smith, who had served as captain before, will now take up the position.
“I’m just excited and honored,” Smith said. “Thank y’all very much, and my family also. They’ve been with me since the start. I’ve been in a few different cities because of my career. This has been the best one. The citizens of this city, they are top notch.”
Afterwards the council heard reports from department heads for the month of February. Hunt reported 1,421 calls, 28 arrests, 26 warning tickets, 104 citations, 88 reports, 94 misdemeanors (73 closed), 26 felonies (closed 13), and police vehicles drove 15, 124 miles. $6,024.84 was spent on vehicle maintenance.
Fire Chief Larry Horton reported 176 responses, five fires (one residential, three vehicle, and one woods, grass or rubbish), 91 emergency medical calls, 14 vehicle wrecks, 15 public services, 34 lift assists, 17 false alarms and mutual aid was received twice. There were two annual inspections, three re-inspections and one fire pump inspection.
Later the council heard and accepted the city audit for Sept. 30, 2022 by Truitt, Tingle, Paramore and Argent. Among the highlights were that tax revenues increased by approximately $900,000 and expenses increased by approximately $400,000.
Approximately $600,000 in new capital assets were purchased that includes police vehicles, a new dump truck, tractors and equipment for public works, as well as the Whites Chapel Community Center upgrades and paving project.
The report also mentioned the ongoing sewer improvements project. The debt on the sewer system is still being paid with sewer revenues but not by the general fund.
“Overall, it was a great year for the city and its finances as we had a good surplus and we will continue to manage costs since we have a fiduciary duty to manage the funds received and make sure that they are used in a manner that benefits the citizens of Moody,” said Councilman Lynn Taylor, who chairs the finance committee.
In other business the council:
- Approved a request by Horton to have a valve rebuilt on E-2 for $911.20,
- Approved a request by Horton to allow him to attend the Summer Fire Chiefs Conference at a cost not to exceed $2,000,
- Approved a request by Horton to purchase a new Pierce Saber FR Custom Pumper Fire Truck through the HGAC program for $693,672 and will be funded out of the Reserve Project Fund and paid back annually from the Fire Department Annual general fund budget at $100,000 per year,
- Approved a request by Library Director Sara Roberts to spend up to $2,500 for Summer Read Performers and program supplies,
- Approved a request by Hunt to purchase annual ammo for $5,015,
- Rezoned property totaling 20 acres off Kelly Creek Road AG-1 (Agricultural) to B-5 (Commercial Industrial Park District),
- Approved a request by Lee to surplus two trucks,
- Approved a request to allow Mellissa Fraser to attend the Alabama Municipal Revenue Officer Maintenance Training in for $235 for class; not to exceed $750, and
- Agreed to upgrade the city’s accounting software to Local Government Nextgen General Ledger for $10,808.25.
Nathan Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@gmail.com.