Birmingham Mayor Proposes Budget With Employee Pay Raises, More Neighborhood Funds
Birmingham City Mayor William Bell wants to give employees a pay raise, spend more money tearing down dilapidated houses and buy body cameras for police.
In his fiscal 2017 budget presented to the council Tuesday, Bell proposed a 1 percent cost of living raise and 5 merit raise for employees.
The mayor also proposes increasing the amount allocated to each of the city’s 99 neighborhood associations from $2,000 to $5,000. A total of about $2.7 million would be spent on weed abatement and the demolition of dilapidated houses. In an effort to combat crime, the mayor said he wants to spend $840,000 expanding the Shot Spotter systems that detects the discharge of weapons and equip police officers with body cameras. This would cost $1 million.
The $420 million budget represents an increase of about 4 percent over the previous year.
Under the city’s Mayor Council Act, the may is responsible for presenting the budget, but it must be approved by the council and there must be public input.
A public hearing on the budget is set for May 25th. The city’s budget year begins July 1.
Here are the 2026 Golden Globe nominations
Marlon Wayans and Skye P. Marshall presented the nominees for the 83rd Golden Globes this morning. The awards ceremony will be held on Jan. 11, hosted by Nikki Glaser.
After Texas ruling, Trump and Republicans head to 2026 with a redistricting edge
Trump has prompted a redistricting race as he tries to maintain Republican control of the House in the 2026 elections. Democrats have fewer options to counter, as the battle heads into next year.
How China, not the U.S., became the main climate solution story in 2025
The U.S. has become a "side character" in the global story of renewable energy, experts say. China dominates the sector, with positive implications for the climate and their economy.
Supreme Court to hear case that could vastly expand presidential powers
The Supreme Court hears arguments in a case about President Trump's firing of a Federal Trade Commissioner. At stake is a 90-year precedent limiting the president's power over independent agencies.
Republicans push high deductible plans and health savings accounts
A Republican call to give Americans cash instead of health insurance subsidies revives an old idea that has left millions with medical debt.
Zelenskyy heads to London for more Ukraine peace talks. Here’s what to know
The talks signal fresh support from European allies. But they follow stalled U.S. negotiations in Miami and comments from President Trump's son suggesting Washington is ready to pull back.
