HB556 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

George “Tootie” Bandy

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2017

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

HB556 updates the council-manager government for Class 5 Alabama municipalities by adding an assistant city manager and city planner, and restricting employment contracts to the city manager.

What This Bill Does

It applies to Class 5 municipalities and expands the council-manager framework by creating an assistant city manager and a city planner, while requiring the city manager to be the only City employee who can have an employment contract. It establishes a five-member council (two at-large and three district seats), with certification requirements and rules ensuring the council does not direct staff directly. It also enhances transparency and procurement, requiring monthly financial statements, an annual audit, competitive bidding for purchases over $1,500, and a formal franchise-grant process that can involve voter input.

Who It Affects

• City officials and employees in Class 5 municipalities (city manager, assistant city manager, city planner, department heads, and council members) — new roles, contract rules, certification requirements, and limits on direct staff oversight.
• City residents and local businesses (voters, bidders, and contractors) — greater financial transparency, bidding requirements for city purchases, and a franchise-grant process that may involve public notice and potential voter approvals.

Key Provisions

• Creates an assistant city manager and establishes a city planner position to be part of the city administration.
• Restricts employment contracts to the city manager; council may not contract with department heads.
• Applies to Class 5 municipalities organized under Act 71, 1977; declines to allow direct council control over staff; council must work through the city manager.
• Establishes a five-member council (two at-large, three district members) with 3-year terms and required Basic Certified Municipal Officials Certification within 30 months.
• Requires monthly detailed financial statements and an annual independent audit open for public inspection; audits may not be performed by the same accountant for more than two consecutive years.
• Imposes competitive bidding for purchases over $1,500 and requires contracts for city improvements over $1,500 to be let to the lowest responsible bidder, with the city manager able to reject bids and re-bid.
• Sets a franchise-grant process that requires publication and allows voters to petition for an election; if a majority votes against, the grant fails; if approved, it becomes effective.
• Council meetings must be open to the public; the induction meeting for new councils is specified and ongoing meetings are required.
• Effective date is immediate upon the Governor’s approval.

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