JOPPA, Ala. – The Alabama Legislature recently passed bills authorizing the Joppa Historical Board to take ownership of the old Joppa School from the Cullman County Board of Education.
The Tribune spoke with Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview to learn more on House Bill 497, which he sponsored in the Alabama House of Representatives. House Bill 497 amends 2019 Act 435, which originally established the Joppa Historical Board and gave it the authority to receive ownership of the Joppa School property from the Cullman County Board of Education. The amendment makes board members “immune from civil liability for actions taken in the conduct of their duties.”
“(Joppa Historical) Board members have not been appointed yet,” said Shedd. “The legislative delegation will appoint the board members after the governor signs the bill. The legislature passed more than 50 local bills last week, so it will take a little time for the signing process on that many. The board will then need to accept the property from the school board.”
He explained further, “The board will own, operate, manage and preserve the property but cannot sell it without a vote of the people of Joppa. Having the property owned by a legal entity established by the Legislature makes it easier for us to get grants and funding for the property, especially the historic college building there.”
Shedd said of the potential funding the board can receive: “Having the property owned by a legal entity established by the Legislature makes it easier for us to get grants and funding for the property, especially the historic college building there.”
House Bill 497 states:
In Cullman County, there is established the Joppa Historical Board to own, operate, manage, and the former Joppa School property in the unincorporated community of Joppa, including any ball fields and other historical structures, owned by the Cullman County Board of Education. The Joppa Historical Board shall be composed of five members appointed by the Cullman County legislative delegation for terms of four years. Members of the board shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed. Members of the board are immune from civil liability for actions taken in the conduct of their duties to the extent allowed under Section 36-1-12.
The Joppa Historical Board may accept title to the former Joppa School property owned by the Cullman County Board of Education and may hold the property for the benefit and use of the public, particularly the unincorporated community of Joppa. The Joppa Historical Board may receive state and, local, and other governmental funding and may accept charitable donations.
The board may not sell or transfer ownership of the property unless approved by majority vote of the board and then by a majority vote of the qualified electors in the unincorporated community of Joppa at a referendum called by the judge of probate and held during the following general election.
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