Pell City is changing. Fast. If you've driven down US 231 lately or tried to find a parking spot near Logan Martin Lake on a summer Saturday, you already know the vibe is shifting from a quiet lakeside retreat to a full-blown regional hub. Honestly, keeping up with pell city alabama news feels like a part-time job these days because there is just so much happening behind the scenes at City Hall and along the main thoroughfares.
We aren't just talking about a few new potholes being filled. We’re talking about a multi-million dollar transformation of the city’s infrastructure, a massive overhaul of the school board, and some long-awaited retail names finally setting up shop.
The $35 Million Blueprint for 2026
The biggest story right now is the money. The City Council recently greenlit the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, and the numbers are kinda staggering for a town this size. We're looking at $39.3 million in projected revenue with about $34.8 million in expenditures.
What does that actually mean for you?
Basically, the city is sitting on a $4.4 million surplus that is being funneled directly into capital projects. No new debt. That's a huge deal. While other municipalities are struggling to keep the lights on, Pell City is entering its 11th consecutive year of growth in its General Fund balance.
City Manager Brian Muenger has been pretty vocal about balancing "long-term fiscal health" with the "immediate needs" of a growing population.
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Public Safety is Getting a Massive Boost
If you see more sirens or new faces in uniform, there's a reason. A huge chunk of the 2026 budget—about $12.6 million total—is dedicated solely to police and fire services.
Specifically:
- The Fire Department is getting $5.8 million, which includes three new Firefighter-Medic positions.
- The Police Department is at $6.8 million.
- Fire Station No. 2 is relocating to a freestanding spot on US 231, north of Celebrations.
This move for the fire station is strategic. Chief Tim Kurzejeski mentioned this has been in the works for years to help lower response times as the area around the lake continues to explode with new residents. The new station is a 16,600-square-foot facility being built by Goodgame Company for about $8.28 million, and it’s expected to be finished right around May 1, 2026.
Roads, Paving, and the US 231 Headache
Let's talk about the thing everyone complains about: traffic. There is a $3 million paving plan currently underway that covers 47 different streets. That is roughly 17.6 miles of fresh asphalt. If you live on Vaughan Road, you’ve likely noticed the work happening at night—a move the city made to keep the daytime gridlock from becoming a total nightmare.
The city uses something called a Pavement Condition Rating (PCR). It’s a cold, hard data system that ranks which roads are the worst. If your street didn't make the list, it probably just means someone else’s street was literally falling apart faster.
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The US 231 and Coosa Valley Elementary Project
Parents, take note. There is a collaborative plan in the works to widen US 231 near Coosa Valley Elementary. It’s still in the early stages, but the Council has already started the "investiture" of leadership to oversee these infrastructure shifts. The goal is to stop the bottleneck that happens every morning and afternoon during school drop-off.
Retail Therapy: Olive Garden and LongHorn are Coming
It’s the question everyone asks on Facebook: "When are we getting an Olive Garden?"
Well, it’s finally happening. Both Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse are officially slated to open in Pell City in 2026. Darden Restaurants is betting big on the local economy, expecting these two spots to generate about $10 million in annual sales.
Mayor Bill Pruitt hasn't been shy about his excitement. He noted that these big-name businesses have plenty of choices on where to go, and they chose us. It’s a signal to other developers that Pell City is no longer a "pass-through" town. It’s a destination.
Changes at the Top: The New School Board
Education news in Pell City took a historic turn recently. We have a brand-new Board of Education that took office in late 2025. This isn't just a routine swap of names; it’s a shift in how the county and city interact.
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About 54% of students in Pell City Schools actually live in the county. To reflect that, the Council appointed a mix of residents:
- Jarrett Jacobs: A transportation VP who wants to focus on attracting better educators.
- Ryan Abernathy: A construction director focusing on growth planning.
- Matt Moon: President of Vulcan Industries.
- Dr. Gary London Sr.: An education expert.
- Eddie Wilson: A strategic advisor.
This group is tasked with managing a $6 million appropriation from the city. They’re walking into a situation where the schools are crowded and the community is demanding higher academic standards.
Remembering a Local Legend
It hasn't all been about budgets and buildings. On January 9, 2026, the city paused to remember Michael Allen, an influential Planning Commissioner who passed away. He was a guy who spent years shaping the very growth we’re seeing now. It’s a reminder that behind all these "city news" headlines are people who actually care about where they live.
What You Should Actually Do Now
If you live here, don't just read the news—act on it. The city has moved its official presence to PellCity.gov. All the old emails and links are being phased out.
- Register your cameras: The Police Department has a new program at
connectpellcity.org/camera-registration. You can link your home security system to help them solve crimes faster. - Watch the meetings: The City Council meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month at 5:30 PM at 1905 1st Avenue North.
- Check your water: After a major main break in late 2025, the city is hyper-focused on utility upgrades. If you see crews on your street, they’re likely working on the $4.9 million utility budget allocation.
- Grab a radon kit: The Alabama Department of Public Health is currently giving out free radon test kits. St. Clair County is a high-risk area, so it’s worth the five minutes it takes to order one.
Pell City is in a period of "measured growth." The city even paused high-density residential developments recently just to make sure the infrastructure could keep up. It’s a weird, exciting, and sometimes frustrating time to live here, but the pell city alabama news suggests we’re heading toward being the premier spot in St. Clair County.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the Planning Commission meetings. They happen on the third Thursday of the month. That’s where the real decisions about what gets built next to your house are actually made.