SB344 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

This bill would propose an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, relating to Tuscaloosa County, to authorize a referendum on the merger of the county government and the municipal governments of the City of Tuscaloosa and the City of Northport into an urban-county form of government.

Summary

SB344 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow Tuscaloosa County and its two cities to merge into an urban-county form of government, with a framework for a future Metro Government and related referendum and transition processes.

What This Bill Does

It would put the question to voters in Tuscaloosa County, the City of Tuscaloosa, and the City of Northport to approve merging into an urban-county government. It creates an Advisory Council on Metro Government to draft a charter and oversee the transition, with funding shared by the county (50%), the City of Tuscaloosa (40%), and the City of Northport (10%). It establishes a Metro Council and a Metro Mayor elected from county districts, consolidates many powers and finances starting January 1, 2028, and imposes tax and zoning rules that require future votes or local law changes. The amendment must be approved by a majority in both cities, with the charter considered in the 2026 general election.

Who It Affects

• Voters in Tuscaloosa County, including residents of the City of Tuscaloosa and the City of Northport, who would vote on the amendment and, if approved, would be governed by a new Metro Government.
• County and municipal government employees and elected officials who would operate under the proposed Metro Government structure, with new roles (Metro Mayor, Metro Council, comptroller) and consolidated operations.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes a constitutional amendment to allow merging the Tuscaloosa County government with the City of Tuscaloosa and the City of Northport into an urban-county form of government.
• Requires the amendment to be approved by a majority of voters in both the City of Tuscaloosa and the City of Northport.
• Creates an Advisory Council on Metro Government with specified appointments from the county and the two cities, funded 50% by the county, 40% by the City of Tuscaloosa, and 10% by the City of Northport; the council must hold regular public meetings and draft a charter.
• The Advisory Council must submit a proposed charter to the general election voters in 2026, outlining the operation of the Metro Government and the election of the Metro Council.
• Establishes a Metro Council elected from single-member districts within Tuscaloosa County, nonpartisan elections, and a full-time Metro Mayor with a part-time council; the Mayor would be elected by county voters.
• Gives the Metro Council authority to exercise powers previously held by the City of Tuscaloosa, the City of Northport, and Tuscaloosa County within their respective areas, with existing ordinances remaining in effect until changed by law.
• Merger of all financial operations of the applicable area becomes effective January 1, 2028.
• Sets tax rules limiting new ad valorem taxes and requiring referendums for any new sales and use taxes in the affected area.
• Imposes zoning restrictions: prior to 2042, unincorporated county zoning may only be authorized by local law via a countywide zoning board; the Legislature cannot expand Metro Council zoning outside the City limits until 2043.
• Election logistics: the amendment description and ballot language would be provided, with the standard Yes/No choices, and the election process follows existing Alabama election laws.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.