City Council receives funding requests

Clarion Top News

Thursday, 01 May 2025 13:56

During the recent Scottsboro City Council work session, Mary K. Carlton spoke regarding the upcoming Dragon Boat Races.
Carlton explained the success of the First Annual Dragon Boat Races. She stated that recently, Judge John Graham told her that his daughter had attended the races. Graham reported to Carlton that his daughter told him the races were the best thing she had ever attended in Scottsboro.

Highlands Medical Center Storks won the race last year, with Scottsboro Electric Power Board coming in at second place, and The Well placing third.
Highlands Hospital Foundation and Nourish One Child each received $17,323 from the races.

Carlton stated that this year, committees have been formed to make the event even better.

She stated that this year’s goal will be to raise a minimum of an additional $20,000. This would allow the event to donate approximately $27,000 to both Nourish One Child and the Highland’s Hospital Foundation.

Carlton went on to say that the Foundation would like to purchase additional operating room stretchers. Nourish One Child would like to continue feeding the children in Scottsboro City Schools. She explained that at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year 405 school children were fed through the Nourish One Child program. There are currently 450 children receiving their services at this time. Each week Nourish One Child spends $4,000 to feed these children.

Carlton explained that they expect an increase in tourists visiting the attraction this year. Last year approximately 3,000 people attended the event.

Carlton requested a tourism grant to help fund the event in the amount of $5,000.

Council member Mike Ashburn questioned if this request should go before the committee.

Council member Nita Tolliver stated, “I’m excited about this. Chief of Police and Chief of Fire, I need you both to have a boat in the race this year.”

Three Arts Club member Rachel Graham spoke regarding King Caldwell Park. Graham stated, “I am here tonight to speak regarding a place that has meant so much to us (Three Arts Club and our community). The purpose of our club is to serve our community by stimulating our community in all activities, contributing to a better world. For the past 51 years, our organization has had the privilege of hosting our Annual fundraising event on a Sunday, inside King Caldwell Park. This park has been much more than just a place for our events, but a gathering place, a place where families come together and children play. It has served us well and now we want to return the favor. Scottsboro’s Three Arts Club has raised $60,000, and we are seeking matching funds in the amount of $60,000 to provide much needed new playground equipment for this park. This investment is not just about installing a playground. It’s about ensuring that King Caldwell Park continues to be a safe, welcoming and inviting space for families and generations to come.

Our community recognizes the need for a safe, engaging and accommodating environment for children with disabilities as well. Currently, families in our area struggle to find local places that accommodate ability challenges and sensory needs.

By developing this playground, we will ensure that every child, regardless of ability, will have a place to engage in physical activity, socialization with peers and develop critical skills.

To maximize our impact, we are actively applying for grants to fund this project.

Your support in matching of funds would show a commitment in investing in our community’s future. It will demonstrate that together, we prioritize giving our children a place to play, explore and create lifelong memories.
This is not just about dollars; it’s about community partnership. We are prepared to do our part, and we hope you’ll join us in this effort.”

Ashburn questioned if the $60,000 was the full cost. Graham replied, “No sir, it’s going to cost a lot more than that. That’s what we raised, so We are asking for matching numbers.”

City Council President Richard “Pudge” Bailey stated, “Looking at these numbers, you have $20,000 for a piece of ADA equipment, and I know we spent $80,000 for that one piece of equipment. I just want to be sure you’re aware , asking for $60,000 from the City may not be enough. I appreciate what you’ve raised so far. We need to step up. This is something we have talked about for years – redoing the park. I really appreciate what you’ve already done.”

Tolliver stated, “Like she said, we are searching for grants too. I’m real excited about the way we are trying to move forward to help all of the parks.”
Ashburn asked, “Is this something we would have to wait until the next budget for? Our excess sales tax is about shot.”

Bailey replied, “Correct. But, there may be other money we can pull from to get this done. If we have enough to get it started. It’s not something that’s going to happen overnight. This will probably roll into the next budget year.”
Graham said, “We are not stopping at $60,000.”

The request is expected to be voted on in the May 12 council meeting.
Scottsboro-Jackson County Rescue Squad member Eddie Teague requested a tourism grant for the upcoming Rescue Squad Fishing Tournament.
Ashburn stated, “I think this is a very valuable service that the rescue squad gives to the county and to the city. I’ve been under the gun with these guys, working night and day. They don’t get paid for it. I really appreciate the work they do.”

Bailey said, “Anyone who has ever had a family member or even a child, like myself, who needed the rescue squad to find them, realizes how much they do for our community.”

A budget amendment was requested for the Parks and Recreation Dept. for pool heaters. Interim Director Robert Fanning told council members that the RecCom has two pool heaters, however only one of those heaters works.
Fanning stated that two residential units were purchased in January 2023. Fanning pointed out that the heater only lasted a little under two and a half years. He stated that he had an estimate for replacement, however, his suggestion would be to purchase commercial heaters, as commercial heaters would heat significantly better than residential units. Fanning said he felt going with a commercial heater would save money in the long run.

City Clerk Whitney Phillips announced three vacancies on the Commercial Development Authority Board. Each vacancy is a four-year term. Anyone interested in serving on this board should apply in writing, to her office no later than Friday, May 9.