Hoover City council approves 2025 budget as amended, shifts $4,290 to Aldec 911 software

Hoover City — The Hoover City Council voted to adopt Resolution 8709‑25 as amended, moving $4,290 toward Aldec 911 software and reducing the $10,000 allocation for council and conference chairs to $5,000. The council approved the amended budget by voice vote after two linked amendments were offered and seconded.

Councilmember (Speaker 2) moved “to amend the budget to include the Aldec 911 software for $4,290,” and the amendment was seconded and accepted. A separate amendment from Councilmember (Speaker 4) reduced the chairs allotment and directed the difference to fund the software; that amendment also passed on a voice vote. After the amendment votes, Councilmember (Speaker 7) moved to accept Resolution 8709‑25 as amended; the motion was seconded and the council voted aye.

The amendments responded to a staff note that the Aldec 911 software is priced at $4,290 and a series of facility maintenance needs. Councilmembers discussed whether to replace all new chairs at once (concerns about matching and appearance were raised) or to stagger purchases. Presiding official (Speaker 1) suggested reducing the chairs line rather than raising revenue to cover the software cost.

Council discussion also centered on carpet replacement needs in two locations: courtroom flooring (budgeted at about $22,000) and the E‑911 center (about $34,000). Staff (Speaker 5) said the city’s internal capital threshold typically treats projects of $50,000 or more as capital projects; carpet replacement below that amount is normally categorized as operating/repair. Several councilmembers expressed concern that replacing both areas in the same building could trigger formal bidding requirements. One councilmember proposed capitalizing and bidding both projects together to avoid improperly splitting work and to secure better pricing.

Members also explored alternative funding sources. Presiding official (Speaker 1) asked whether available special revenues — including opioid settlement funds or a state building maintenance fund — could cover E‑911 needs. Staff said the city is still clarifying allowable uses for opioid funds; one staff speaker described the scope of allowable spending as expanded in recent years and said equipment linked to addressing the opioid crisis could potentially qualify, but staff cautioned against assuming hiring costs would be eligible.

The council agreed to defer final decisions on capital funding and to revisit the capital plan and any necessary budget amendments in January, when staff expects more definitive audit and revenue numbers.

Resolution 8709‑25, as amended, passed by voice vote during the meeting. The council directed staff to return with capital‑budget details and procurement recommendations in January.