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FROM THE MAYOR: Q4 2024

Posted on by cwdadmin

From the Office of the Mayor

 

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Our December events have been a huge success, including the annual Christmas parade and Christmas in the Park. The community celebrated by watching floats, trailers, the PHS band, JROTC and horses. Then, at the park, we enjoyed performances from the PES and PHS courses, who were fantastic! We drank hot chocolate and ate food truck goodies while visiting the many vendor booths and viewing 77 decorated Christmas trees sponsored by area residents and businesses, as well as a live Nativity by Stonehedge Nursery.

A tremendous thank you to Maggie Denney whose hard work and energy contributed to making Christmas in the park a sensation. A special thanks to all the volunteers and city employees who were also so instrumental, and without whom nothing can be achieved. Please continue to enjoy the decorations throughout the first week in January 2025.

Two of our PHS students are competing for Carnegie, Prince and Princess this year. Addison Graham and Jackson Stephens, are fundraising this year to raise money for Carnegie. Please support them in this adventure. A portion of the funds benefit the non-profit organization CASA of North Alabama and an animal shelter selected each year through an application process.

Now for a huge announcement, Priceville will be celebrating 50 years as a city. On April 26th, 2025. We will have a block party with several events thanks to presenting sponsors Pepsi of Decatur and State Rep. Parker Moore. The day will start at 2pm in front of City Hall with the PHS Jazz and Concert Bands and then local artist Jonah Evans and Dylan Johnson followed by Academy of Country Music Award winner, Collin Raye. During the day we will enjoy an art show in the Priceville Event Center featuring art from our students from all three schools and other local artists. We will wrap up the night with a huge fireworks display. We will have plenty of kid activities throughout the day, a petting zoo, blow-ups, bounce house and other activities. Currently we are working on a magazine “Priceville Then and Now”. If you have an interesting story to tell jot it down and drop it by city hall. We are also doing a commemorative t-shirt that will be available for purchase. All proceeds will be used for future events and improvements to the park.

The city council and I are also working on a grant. The grant would allow us to obtain a large land parcel for a future park or green space. We need your help in this endeavor. One of the requirements for the grant is to have citizen support. We need this in the form of a letter of support from you or at the very least your signature on a sheet showing your support. I hope everyone will agree that with the growth that is happening in the area, a dedicated space used forever for a park is a great thing. We will be having a special meeting on January 8th, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall to discuss the possibilities.

 

 

Sam Heflin,

Mayor,

City of Priceville

Planning Commission Public Hearing-December 16, 2024

Posted on by cwdadmin

Notice of Public Hearings

The Priceville Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Priceville has set three public hearings on December 16, 2024 to hear the following:

  1. The Tune Trust:  rezone from R-1, Low Density Residential to R-2, Low Density Residential Rezone – Tune_ R-1 to R-2
  2. Billy Tom & Brenda Kaye Blankenship:  rezone A-1, Agricultural to A-1-R, Agricultural Residential Rezone – Blankenship_ A-1 to A-1-R
  3. A resubdivision of Tract C-1, A resubdivision of Tract C of Bakers Farm Replat – Baker C-1

City Council Public Hearing December 9, 2024

Posted on by cwdadmin

Notice of public hearing and consideration for Alcohol License within the City Limits of Priceville.  The public hearing will be on Monday, December 9, 2024 at 6:30 P.M. to consider adopting or disapproving a Resolution at said meeting.   Please click on the link for more information.  Public Hearing December 9, 2024

All In One Beverages

2466 North Bethel Road Suite A, Priceville, Alabama 35603

Lounge Retail Liquor (Off-Premises, Class II)

Hiring: Grounds Maintenance

Posted on by cwdadmin

The City of Priceville is accepting applications for the Grounds maintenance position.  Pickup application at City Hall or download here.  Applications will be accepted until 8/30/2024.

City of Priceville Application

Job Description:

Responsible for repairing or replacing all drainage culverts in the city, clean drainage ways of settlement and debris, cutting grass and pick up trash on city right of ways and other city property.

Maintain and repair all city streets to include potholes and structural failures.

Maintain all city owned buildings, parks, and playgrounds.

Service and repair all city owned vehicles and maintenance equipment.

Conduct brush and large item pickup throughout the city and dispose of properly.

Purchase all materials or contract personnel to do all needed repairs as needed.

Assist with setup for parades, and city functions in the park.

Other functions as designated by department head and Mayor as directed.

Special Called City Council Meeting June 13, 2024

Posted on by Kelly Dean

The public is hereby notified of the City of Priceville Special Called City Council Meeting On Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 5:30 P.M.  This special called hearing is to hold a public rezoning hearing regarding the property located on the south side of Horse Center Road, and is the site of the former Morgan County Celebration Arena.  The City Council will have the opportunity to vote to approve or deny Ordinance 2024-06:  An Ordinance amending the zoning map for the City of Priceville, Two Deals, LLC from A-1, Agricultural Zone to a T-1, Research and Technology Zone.

 

Special Called Meeting

City Council Public Hearing Notice- June 13, 2024

Posted on by Kelly Dean

There will be a public hearing before the Priceville City Council on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 5:30 P.M.  In the City Council Chambers of the Priceville Municipal Building for the purpose of hearing any and all persons wishing to speak in favor of or opposed to the adoption of the attached Ordinance 2024-06 by which the property described therein would be Rezoned from an A-1, Agricultural Zone to a T-1, Research and Technology Zone.

 

Council Ordinance – Rezone Horse Center property.docx council

 

 

Priceville Planning Commission Public Hearing Notices

Posted on by Kelly Dean

Public Hearings scheduled for Monday, May 20, 2024 at 7 P.M. in the Priceville Municipal Building before the City of Priceville Planning and Zoning Commission.

*Replat of Lots 1-3 of Crawford’s Place Public Notice – Commission Public Hearing 05202024 – Replat Lots 1-3 Crawford’s Place

*Rezone A-1 to T-1 (Celebration Arena Property) Public Notice – Commission Hearing 05202024 – Rezone A-1 to T-1 (Celebration Arena) (1)

*Zoning Ordinance Amendment Public Notice – Commission Hearing 05202024 – Zoning Ordinance amendment

Priceville Planning Commission Public Hearing Notices April 15, 2024

Posted on by Sam Heflin

CITY PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PRICEVILLE, ALABAMA will hold a Public hearing on

RESOLUTION NO. 2024- 03 A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE CITY OF PRICEVILLE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS

Hearing Notice 04152024 – Amend Subdivision Regulations

WHEREAS, Section 11-52-31 of the Code of Alabama (1975), as amended, authorizes the City
Planning Commission of the City of Priceville, Alabama (the “Commission”) to adopt regulations governing the subdivision of land within its jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, the Subdivision Regulations for the Town of Priceville, initially adopted on July 10, 1975, have been amended numerous times, most recently on June 19, 2023; and
WHEREAS, the Commission finds that the City of Priceville and its surrounding areas are experiencing a period of significant new growth and development, including the subdivision and
development of properties for new business and residential purposes; and
WHEREAS, the Commission has developed and adopted a City of Priceville Comprehensive
Plan, with the general purpose of guiding and accomplishing a coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development of the City and its environs which will, in the best judgment of the Commission, promote health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare as well as efficiency and
economy in the process of development; and
WHEREAS, the Commission finds that it is in the best interest of the City of Priceville to
amend the Subdivision Regulations to reflect changes needed to accommodate and integrate new growth, while ensuring that the subdivision and development of land is consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan and to provide regulations governing the subdivision of land, including but not limited to the proper arrangement of streets in relation to other existing or planned streets and to the
Comprehensive Plan, for adequate and convenient open spaces for traffic, utilities, access of firefighting apparatus, recreation, light and air and for the avoidance of congestion of population, including minimum width and area of lots; and PENDING PUBLIC HEARING
2
WHEREAS, the Commission provided public notice, as required by law, of a public hearing to
consider the amended subdivision regulations; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on April 15, 2024, as required by law, to receive public input and to consider amendment of the subdivision regulations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Planning Commission of the City of
Priceville, Alabama, that the City of Priceville Subdivision Regulations are hereby amended and
adopted and shall read in their entirety as shown in Addendum A, attached hereto. All previous
versions and amendments of said Subdivision Regulations are repealed and rescinded in their entirety.
These Subdivision Regulations shall be certified to the Office of the Probate Judge of Morgan
County, Alabama.

12th Annual Festival of the Cranes January 12-14, 2024

Posted on by Kelly Dean

Festival of Cranes Brochure

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge (WNWR) in Decatur, Ala., gears up once again to host the highly anticipated Festival of the Cranes from January 12 to 14, 2024. Known for its yearly gathering of over 14,000 Sandhill Cranes and a few pairs of majestic Whooping Cranes during the winter season, this event celebrates the magnificent winter migration of these elegant creatures. The Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Association has meticulously planned a three-day extravaganza, blending indoor and outdoor activities suited for people of all ages, set to take place at WNWR and various locations within downtown Decatur and at the Priceville Event Center.

The Festival of the Cranes has grown into a popular event, welcoming attendees regardless of their birding expertise. Tailored activities cater to experienced birdwatchers, novices, and those intrigued by learning more about birding and other wildlife inhabiting the Refuge. Throughout the event, visitors are invited to the WNWR Observation Building, providing a comfortable space to witness thousands of Sandhill and Whooping cranes, ducks, geese, raptors, and the occasional bald eagle. Attendees are encouraged to bring cameras and binoculars, while volunteers and staff will be available to address queries and share insights.

Throughout the weekend, Decatur and Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge offer a vibrant array of activities. At Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, visitors can enjoy birding sessions and photography workshops on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday features early morning birding and photography workshops with Dwight Cooley, Christopher Joe, and Robert Smith, while Sunday offers similar activities with Teddy Roosevelt and Bobby Harrison. Please note that all events at the Visitor Center require pre-registration on the WWRA website: https://www.friendsofwheelernwr.org/foc-2024 Meanwhile, in downtown Decatur, various venues will host engaging events throughout the festival. The Historic Decatur Union Train Depot will welcome visitors on Friday while showcasing their “crane train” display. Delano Park will be the backdrop of festivities with a story-time event accompanied by a Crane interpretive dancer at the Decatur Public Library. The Cook  Museum of Natural Science (cookmuseum.org) opens its doors on Saturday, and The Princess Theatre presents a diverse lineup, including a
performance on Friday night at 7 p.m. by The Prescriptions, a timeless rock and roll band for the modern world. On Saturday, Wings to Soar, the Teddy Roosevelt Show, Steve Trash, and a screening of “Wings Over Water” will take place with some performances repeating on Sunday.
Additionally, the Decatur Public Library (www.mydpl.org/cranes) will host multiple children’s activities, including arts and crafts, and will provide information about local trails. The Alabama Center for the Arts (www.alabamacenterforthearts.org) features presentations
and activities suitable for various age groups on both Saturday and Sunday. The Carnegie Visual Arts Center (www.carnegiearts.org) offers an art workshop with Timothy Joe. Student art from Brewer, Decatur, and Priceville High School will be on display at the Priceville Event Center on Saturday, and there will be a shuttle from the Event Center to the Wheeler Visitor Center on Saturday only. These combined events promise an entertaining and enriching weekend for attendees of all interests. To register for events at the Visitor Center, please click on the particular event to find the link. For detailed information about the Festival of the Cranes, including a comprehensive schedule of events with links to additional events taking place at the Decatur Public Library, the Carnegie Visual Arts Center and the Cook Museum can be found on the WWRA website
listed below. Please visit https://www.friendsofwheelernwr.org/foc-2024 or follow Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Association – WWRA on Facebook for the latest updates.

### About Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
Established on July 7, 1938, by Executive Order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge remains the first National
Wildlife Refuge placed on a multi-purpose reservoir. Spanning 35,000 acres, it attracts myriad wintering waterfowl annually and harbors Alabama’s largest wintering duck population. The Refuge proudly hosts the state’s largest congregation of Sandhill Cranes and provides a  sanctuary for the endangered Whooping Crane. For further information on Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, visit www.fws.gov/wheeler.
About Decatur Morgan County Tourism Decatur Morgan County Tourism is a not-for-profit organization promoting tourism and economic growth in Morgan County. Travel-related expenditures for Morgan County in 2022 exceeded $354 million and state lodging taxes collected reached nearly $1.9 million. The tourism and travel industry within Decatur and Morgan County provided 3,746 direct and indirect jobs for local residents and total travel-related earnings exceeded $92 million. For information on special events and attractions in Decatur and Morgan County, call 800.524.6181 or 256.350.2028; or visit https://www.visitdecatural.org/.

Please go to the association’s site for all the details friendsofwheelernwr.org.

Public Hearing Notice

Posted on by Kelly Dean

There will be a public hearing before the Priceville Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday, November 20, 2023 at 7:00 P.M.  The purpose of hearing any and all persons wishing to speak in favor of or opposed to the following conditional use approval:  Upper River Road Storage Facility.  Please click on the link for more information.

Notice – Conditional Use Public Hearing 11202023 – Upper River Rd Storage Facility

City of Priceville Planning Commission Special Called Meeting

Posted on by Kelly Dean

The City of Priceville Planning Commission has called for a special called meeting on Monday, October 30, 2023 at 7 P.M.

Reason:  To consider making a recommendation to the City Council regarding the acceptance and dedication of subdivision improvements of Ginhouse Landing, Phase 1 in accordance with the Priceville Subdivision Regulations.

PC Special Meeting – 10302023

 

 

Priceville Alcohol Review Committee Public Hearing Notice

Posted on by Kelly Dean

There will be a public hearing before the Priceville Alcohol Review Committee on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 4 P.M  The items on the agenda are as follows:  Dolgencorp, LLC-Dollar General Store #22559 and Bravo Investments, LLC DBA Bravo 8-Wavaho both requesting retail table wine (off-premises) and retail beer (off-premises) alcohol licenses.

ARC Public Hearing 081623

Ordinance 2023-01: Establish Truck Routes

Posted on by Kelly Dean

The City Council for the City of Priceville adopted Ordinance 2023-01:  An Ordinance of the City of Priceville, Alabama to establish truck routes within the city limits; prohibit the operation upon residential streets of certain trucks classified by length, weight, size, number of axles and cargo; setting forth limited exceptions; imposing penalties for violations; requiring the installation of advisory signage; providing for severability; and establishing an effective date.

Please click on this link to read the ordinance.Ordinance 2023-01 Truck Routes

Priceville Planning Commission Public Hearing Notice- August 15, 2022

Posted on by Kelly Dean

There will be a public hearing before the Priceville Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 7:00 P.M. in the City Council Chambers of the Priceville Municipal Building.  For the purpose of hearing any and all persons wishing to speak in favor of or opposed to the following subdivision plat:  Minor Plat, Three Burros, generally located on the east side of New Center Road and the north side of Church Road.  Please read the attached notice for more information.

Commission Hearing Notice – Three Burros – Minor Plat – 08.15.2022

Priceville Beautification Award

Posted on by Kelly Dean

The Priceville Beautification Committee is excited to begin sponsoring a Beautification Award to a residential yard once a month and a Beautification Award to a business once a quarter.

To nominate a residence or business, please share or message the address of the nomination to the City of Priceville Facebook page.  Residential winners will receive a $50 gift card and both winners will have a sign placed in the yard.  The committee will announce the winners each month/quarter and share pictures on the Facebook page.
We look forward to acknowledging the hard work of our community.

Flood Map Revision Meeting

Posted on by Kelly Dean

The Morgan County Engineering Department and the City of Priceville Building Department, in accordance with National Flood Insurance Program regulation 65.7 (b) (1), hereby gives notice of the City of Priceville’s and Morgan County’s intent to revise the flood hazard information, generally located east of Bethel Road between the Tennessee River and Alabama Highway 67 near the Cave Springs Elementary and Cove Creek Crossing Areas.

On June 7, 2021 at 6 P.M. there will be a meeting at the Priceville Municipal Building to discuss the revisions.

Revised Flood Insurance Letter 2021

City Council Public Hearing Notice

Posted on by Kelly Dean

Notice of public hearing with respect to amendment of the City of Priceville Zoning Ordinance will be before the Priceville City Council on Monday, February 8, 2021 at the Priceville City Hall at 6:30 P.M.  To consider a proposed ordinance to amend Section 5.1500 et seq. of Ordinance #1986-06, as subsequently amended, to the City of Priceville Zoning Code, to substitute provisions relating to Planned Development (PD) District Regulations.

Public Hearing Notice City Council

 

Ordinance 2021-02

Posted on by Kelly Dean

An Ordinance to approve the annexation of certain real property located at 486 East Upper River Road, Bethel/River Road, South of TVA Road into the City of Priceville pursuant to the petition of the owner(s), Greenbrier Enterprises, LLC.

Ordinance 2021-02

Adopted 11th day of January, 2021

Ordinance 2021-01

Posted on by Kelly Dean

An Ordinance of the City of  Priceville, Alabama renewing and extending a previously adopted immediate temporary moratorium with respect to connection of new residential subdivisions and planned developments to the sanitary sewer system of the City of Priceville.

Ordinance 2021-01

Adopted 11th day of January, 2021

Public Notice-Priceville Council Meeting 3/23/2020

Posted on by Kelly Dean

PUBLIC NOTICE

Priceville Town Council Meeting

Notice is hereby given to all citizens, press and any interested parties that the Priceville Town Council will hold  its  regularly scheduled work session and meeting on:

Monday, March 23, 2020

at the Priceville Town Hall

242 Marco Drive, Priceville, Alabama

Work Session begins at 5:00 p.m.

Council Meeting begins at 6:00 p.m.

Because of the COVID-19 outbreak,  the CDC has recommended  that meetings be limited to no more than ten (10) persons.  Governor Ivey has issued a Supplemental Declaration of a State of Emergency under which the Governor authorized meetings to be held by teleconference for the limited purposes of meeting the COVID-19 emergency, and to perform essential minimum functions of the Town. Because this is a regularly scheduled work session and meeting, it will be held publicly, and not by teleconference. 

However, the Town live streams its Council meeting on the Town’s Facebook page. The Town strongly urges the public, press, employees or staff  who are  not required to be in attendance, to stay home and view the meeting remotely on the Town’s Facebook page. Anyone who is sick should not attend the meeting.

 

Date of Notice: March 19, 2020

Priceville Planning Workshop #2

Posted on by Kelly Dean

Planning Workshop #2

The Town of Priceville will be hosting another Planning Workshop.  Workshop #2 will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 6 P.M. at our Municipal Building.  The planning team will be discussing strategies for the growth of Priceville over the next 20 years.  Come by and let us know how you want to see Priceville grow or stay the same.

We also ask that you take the time to complete the next planning survey and let us know your preferences for future development. You may also pick up a printed copy of the survey at the Municipal Building and the Linda Duran Public Library.      Priceville Planning Survey #2 

Visioning Session

Posted on by Kelly Dean

Visioning Session

The Town of Priceville is holding a Visioning Session on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at the Priceville Municipal Building.  This session will help us prepare our comprehensive plan to guide growth and improvement in the community for the next 20 years.    We would love for you to take our survey.  You can click on the link below, or come by the Municipal Building or the Linda Duran Public Library for a printed copy.

https://surveymonkey.com/r/PricevilleSurvey1

Priceville Blueprint Event

Posted on by Kelly Dean

You’re invited to “Priceville Blueprint” on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the Priceville Municipal Building.  This is a come and go event for you to stop by and share your thoughts and ideas about the Sports Plex and future projects in Priceville.

Priceville seeking OK to borrow $9 million

Posted on by cwdadmin

From The Decatur Daily
by Deangelo McDaniel

PRICEVILLE — The town of Priceville is seeking authorization from a Morgan County circuit judge to borrow $9 million to construct a 66,000-square-foot recreation center near North Bethel Road and East Upper River Road.

A hearing on the matter will be held June 9 at 10 a.m. in the Morgan County Courthouse for any Priceville resident who wants to “show cause” why the town shouldn’t be allowed to borrow the money.

Mayor Melvin Duran and Birmingham attorneys handling the legal proceedings did not return telephone calls seeking comment.

Priceville officials started talking about the center in 2015, but on March 13 the council adopted a resolution announcing its plan to go to the bond market, according to court documents.

Town officials said in court filings that they determined the town’s economic base and “prosperity and welfare of its citizens will be advanced” with the project. They also expect retail, commercial and employment opportunities and “an increase of the town’s tax base and revenues.”

Morgan County Commission Chairman Ray Long said he was familiar with the project because the county donated 8.4 acres where construction is slated to take place.

“I think this is great for the area and would be a major tourist attraction for the county,” he said. “I don’t see any minuses to this plan.”

Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling talked about a project like this for the River City during his campaign. He proposed locating it in the annexed part of Limestone County near Interstate 565 and Alabama 20 because of the amount of traffic.

Bowling said Priceville’s plans have not changed his thoughts about what Decatur should do.

“We’re still talking about the feasibility of moving forward,” he said.

Court documents did not include specific plans for Priceville’s facility, but in February Duran said it would include four basketball courts that can be converted into eight volleyball courts, a walking track, one or two batting cages, a fitness center and a rehab center.

Priceville plans to sign a management agreement with Encore Rehab to operate a portion of the facility, according to legal filings.

Duran and council members Tommy Perry, Charles Black, Donald Livingston, Joe Lubisco and Jerry Welch also outlined plans to pay the debt. The town has about $34 million in taxable property, which means the council can legally borrow as much as $16.9 million, according to court documents. The new bonds will increase Priceville’s debt to about $11.9 million, court records show.

The center’s proposed site is near the new Priceville High where the Morgan County Board of Education invested almost $24 million. Superintendent Bill Hopkins Jr. supports the project and is looking at it as a possible home for the Morgan County basketball tournament.

“Any place that is centrally located in the county is a benefit for the school system,” he said. “This is right off Interstate 65 and should attract a lot of people to the county.”

The proceeding has been assigned to Circuit Judge Steven Haddock.

Priceville Blueprint

Posted on by cwdadmin

Be a part of the future!

The Town of Priceville has initiated a partnership with DesignAlabama, as a part of the DesignPlace program to look at the future of our community and they need your help!

You are invited to “Priceville Blueprint” on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at the Priceville Municipal Building. Event starts at 6:00 P.M.

For your convenience, this is a community come and go event for you to stop by and share your thoughts and ideas. The meeting will be facilitated by DesignAlabama Executive Director, Gina Clifford and a team of design professionals from across the state.

This team of professional consultants will be interested in understanding the assists of the community and what makes Priceville a special place for its residents. They will be asking you to share our history, our native sons and daughters, and our businesses and industry.

They want to know your dreams and aspirations for our community! They will be seeking out those things that can build prosperity and the highest quality of life in our town.

The input you provide will be incorporated into a master plan studies, that they will develop over the following days to be presented to the Priceville Town Council. Please come be a part of the process and contribute to the future of Priceville. Everyone is welcome!

Download The Flyer

Priceville approves fuel-tax increase

Posted on by cwdadmin

PRICEVILLE — The Town Council on Monday approved a 1-cent fuel tax increase and a fiscal 2018 budget that included funding to start work on a new fire station as well as hire an additional police officer.

Meanwhile, councilmen discussed an emerging plan to build from scratch a downtown in the fast-growing town of about 3,300 people, seeking public input at an upcoming open house.

The council unanimously approved the ordinance to increase the town’s gasoline tax from 3 cents to 4 cents per gallon and the diesel tax from 1 cent to 2 cents per gallon. The increase is expected to generate about $130,000 annually that Mayor Melvin Duran said would go toward street improvements.

The council also approved a $2.89 million budget for fiscal 2018, up from $2.68 million in fiscal 2017. The new budget projects a hefty surplus, predicting nearly $3.4 million in revenue.

Duran described it as an attempt to be conservative, noting the town currently has a fund balance of roughly $2.6 million in the bank.

Before voting, the council added to the budget $100,000 to begin work on the town’s second fire station, which is slated to be built adjacent Priceville High School.

Councilman Joe Lubisco Jr. said Morgan County Schools officials have informally agreed to donate about 0.5 acres for the new station, which would serve the school and multiple new subdivisions in the vicinity.

The land acquisition is still pending approval by the Morgan County Board of Education as attorneys for both parties review the deal. Priceville officials tentatively plan to begin construction on the new station next year with completion expected by 2021.

Councilman Charles Black said the Insurance Service Office recommended the new station, which will re-position existing equipment, and that it could result in residents seeing better property insurance rates.

“We’re trying to improve safety in the community as well,” Lubisco said.

Priceville could pay for road extension with leftovers from $7M rec center

Posted on by cwdadmin

From The Decatur Daily
by Evan Belanger

PRICEVILLE — After approving a $9 million bond issue last week, town officials plan to build and open by next fall a 66,000-square-foot recreation center at North Park.

They’re also planning to use a portion of the bond proceeds to extend Marco Drive to East Upper River Road in a bid to open more property for commercial development and alleviate traffic congestion on Bethel Road.

Mayor Melvin Duran said this week that town officials expect to have $8.3 million to $8.5 million available for the projects after capitalized expenses are deducted from the bond.

“Hopefully, we’ll be anywhere from $6.5 million to a little over $7 million on the sportsplex, and what’s left we’ll spend on Marco Drive,” he said.

No groundbreaking date has been set for the recreation center, but Duran said officials hope to finalize plans Sept. 6 and plan to have it open by the fall of 2018.

Preliminary plans call for the center to include four basketball courts that can be converted into eight volleyball courts, a walking track, one or two batting cages, a fitness center, and a rehab center.

The center will be located on 8.4 acres in Morgan County’s North Park, at North Bethel Road and East Upper River Road. The park already has soccer fields, baseball fields and softball fields. Morgan County donated the land for the recreation center.

For now, town officials are calling the planned facility the Priceville Event Center. Duran said they are hopeful it will host travel ball and high school athletic tournaments, but they refrained from calling it the Priceville Sports Plex, because it could also host other events.

“You could have a wedding there, you could have a gun show there, you could have a boat show there, you could possibly have a camper show there, or a home and garden show. It’s an event center,” he said.

Noting the town’s proximity to Interstate 65, Morgan County Commission Chairman Ray Long predicted visitors attracted by the center would help stimulate the local economy, but said the project is not without risk for the town of roughly 3,300 people.

“It’s a big gamble for Priceville to spend that kind of money, but I think it’s going to work out for them,” Long said.

Longtime Priceville police chief to retire

Posted on by cwdadmin

From The Decatur Daily
by Evan Belanger

PRICEVILLE — Longtime Priceville Police Chief Billy Peebles will retire next week after more than 31 years on the force and more than 41 years in law enforcement.

Peebles, 63, will step down from the town’s top law enforcement job effective Wednesday.

“There comes a time in a person’s life when it’s time to move on,” he said, adding he will most miss the opportunity to serve the public as well as the camaraderie of the force.

Mayor Melvin Duran said no decisions have been made about who will replace Peebles either on an interim or permanent basis.

“All options are on the table,” he said, adding, “I’ve enjoyed working with Billy these last 31 years.”

Including Peebles, Priceville has five police officers and six reserve officers.

Peebles’ retirement comes during a period of rapid growth for the small town east of Decatur. From 2000 to 2016, its population grew by 97 percent — from 1,674 to 3,297.

Peebles, a Priceville native, started his law enforcement career as a reserve deputy for the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office. He served as a patrol officer in Trinity before joining the Priceville Police Department, where he was promoted to chief in 2001.

In an interview Friday, he said he always will carry with him memories of some of the more grisly experiences of law enforcement, but he hoped his years of work positively impacted the close-knit community.

“Maybe something you said during the day affected someone’s life for the good,” he said. “At the end of the day, that’s what matters to you.”

Peebles said he has no plans to leave his home in Priceville and that he will be available to assist the police force if called upon. He said his immediate plans are to spend time catching up on chores around the house and visiting family.

A small retirement party for Peebles is planned early next month. He said he prefers a small, private sendoff with friends and family as opposed to a large public event.

“My job was a gift that God gave me. It’s something I wanted to do since I was a young man, and God opened that door for me,” he said. “It’s certainly not something to flaunt, because all good things come from Him.”

City of Priceville Logo

Address
242 Marco Drive
Priceville, AL 35603

Phone (256) 355-5476
Fax (256) 351-0563

Office Hours
Monday to Friday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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