SB370 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

William “Bill” M. BeasleySenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Class 5 municipalities, organized under Act 71, 1977 Reg. Sess. (Phenix City), operation of council manager form of government, further provided, Act 71, 1977 Reg. Sess., am'd.

Summary

SB370 would expand and regulate the council-manager form of government in Class 5 municipalities under Act 71, adding administrative roles, penalties for improper council conduct, and rules governing hiring and procurement.

What This Bill Does

The bill applies to Class 5 cities under Act 71 and adds an assistant city manager and a city planner, while restricting employment contracts to the city manager and creating severance rules for department heads. It establishes misdemeanor penalties for council members who interfere with municipal services outside the city manager and strengthens oversight of appointments and removals. It requires regular financial reporting and audits, and sets competitive bidding and contract procedures for city projects; it also outlines a formal process for granting franchises. The bill includes constitutional amendments noting local spending rules but asserts exceptions that avoid a mandatory 2/3 local vote, with most provisions taking effect immediately except certain changes starting with the next council term.

Who It Affects

• Class 5 municipalities operating under Act 71 (city councils, city managers, and administrative staff) would adopt the council-manager framework with new roles and procedural rules.
• Council members and department heads (e.g., city planners, managers, and other officials) would face new conduct rules, hiring limitations, penalties for missteps, and severance provisions upon removal without cause.

Key Provisions

• Applies to Class 5 municipalities organized under Act 71, 1977 and amends its provisions to enhance the council-manager form of government.
• Creates an assistant city manager and a city planner; city manager retains authority over employment contracts; department heads receive a six-month severance if removed without cause.
• Council members are prohibited from directing appointments or removals and must interact with the city manager only through proper channels; violations may result in Class B misdemeanor on first offense and Class A misdemeanor on second offense.
• Requires monthly financial reporting by the council and an annual independent audit of city books; reports must be open to the public.
• Introduces competitive bidding for purchases over $1,500 and requires formal competitive contracting for city improvements over $1,500 with the lowest responsible bidder, following Title 41 standards.
• Modifies franchise grant procedures to require publication and potential public elections if petitioned by voters; grants take effect only after compliance with the process.
• Constitutional amendment language clarifies local spending rules but the bill claims it qualifies for exceptions that avoid requiring a 2/3 vote by affected entities; most provisions become effective immediately upon approval, with 3.10 provisions taking effect in the next council term.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Municipalities