Applications will be taken until 5 p.m. April 15 to fill seats on the Board of Education, the Board of Adjustments and Appeals, the Historical Commission, the Commercial Development Authority, Cheaha Regional Mental Health Center Board and the Industrial Development Board.
Mayor Sam Wright encourages residents to get involved in the community. He said this is generally the time of year when board appointments come up for the city.
But some of the positions have remained empty for an extended period.
“It is not like it takes a lot of time,” he said. “Most of the boards meet once a month. Some may not even meet that often, but most meet once a month for no longer than an hour to an hour and a half.”
Wright said all the boards are important facets of the city that help it function. He said applicants are required to live in the city.
“I think a lot of times people don’t apply to boards because they don’t want to be turned down,” Wright said. “There always is a process of picking people and working with other personalities, but we cannot even get anybody to get the process started with.
“But we hope to get them all filled by the second council meeting in April. That is what we are shooting for.”
Board of education members work alongside school administrators and vote on school policies and operational decisions. Adjustments and Appeals Board members deal with questions concerning district boundary lines and hold variance meetings on property development standards.
The Historical Commission board members work to preserve and promote the local history, with projects like the time capsule. The CDA and the IDB work to recruit new retail and industry, respectively, and help existing businesses grow.
The mental health center’s board members vote on issues concerning the center’s operations.
Applications may be obtained from the city clerk’s office. Anyone wishing to serve on these boards must submit an application to the mayor’s office to be considered for the appointment.
Questions may be directed to 256-401-2424.
Contact Matt Quillen at mquillen@dailyhome.com.
