From Tribune Staff Reports
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Jefferson County Commission on Thursday approved the county’s Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operating and Capital Budgets following the conclusion of budget hearings earlier this month. Budget documents will be posted to the county’s website once meeting minutes are finalized.
Commissioners also voted to update an existing $75,000 contract with Pileum Corporation and the Roads and Transportation Department. The agreement allows for the installation of cameras to monitor illegal dump sites in unincorporated areas of the county. Officials noted that the contract is not new but reflects an amendment to a current arrangement.
The Commission also approved several community grant agreements across the county. In District 1, Commissioner Lashunda Scales allocated $97,000 to The Penny Foundation to support programs promoting HBCUs and higher education opportunities for underserved youth through music and cultural arts events. District 2 Commissioner Sheila Tyson awarded $5,000 to the Birmingham Sister City Commission to assist with youth cultural and educational exchange workshops, as well as $30,000 to the Step-by-Step Foundation to support its Beyond the Game program for youth and young adults.
District 3 Commissioner Jimmie Stephens directed $32,000 to the McCalla Youth Athletic Association to fund laser grading and drainage improvements at local ballfields. In District 4, Commissioner Joe Knight provided $15,000 to the Jefferson County 9-1-1 Emergency Communications District for the purchase of Starlink remote kits and $6,000 to the Jefferson County Board of Education to furnish data and professional development rooms at Irondale Middle School.
During the meeting, commissioners welcomed Dan Williams as the new president and CEO of the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau. Williams, who brings more than 30 years of experience from Columbus, Ohio, said he is “excited to work with each of the Commissioners to help push Jefferson County and create the tourism economy that we will all want.”
The Commission also recognized members of the county’s IT GIS team for their collaboration with the Jefferson County EMA. GIS specialist April Pearce was highlighted for developing interactive maps and dashboards that have provided valuable information to residents. These tools include shelter maps, emergency warning systems, and a dashboard originally used for the World Police and Fire Games that is now being adapted for storm damage and road closure updates.
