HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Hanceville City Hall was packed Thursday evening as residents gathered to hear who would be appointed mayor following former Mayor Kenneth Nail’s resignation in December. The council appointed Mayor Pro-tem Jimmy Sawyer, who had been serving as interim mayor since Nail’s departure, to the position.
The motion to appoint Sawyer was put forth “with great honor” by Councilwoman Kim Brown and passed unanimously, to applause from attending residents.
Sawyer was sworn in, with his wife by his side, by Administrative Assistant Kim Reburn.
Said Sawyer, “I will do my very best to represent Hanceville in the very best way you’d want to be represented,” noting he was proud to continue the work put forth by Nail.
Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview, raced in from Montgomery to address the council concerning the amount of grants obtained by himself, Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman and Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope. Shedd described several grant recipients in the Hanceville area, ranging from the sewer and water board, Wallace State Community College, Hanceville Fire and Rescue and the City of Hanceville to expand infrastructure and education. He stressed the importance of letting the public know that the officials they elected are doing the jobs they were elected to do.
“I tell you these things to let you know – I want you to know we’re trying to do our job, it’s important that we give as much money back as we can. This is money that’s going back to Hanceville, and the Hanceville area. Sometimes if we don’t let you know, you might not know it!” Shedd laughed.
“I’m honored to represent the City of Hanceville. It’s the largest city in my legislative district, so I appreciate getting to serve you,” said Shedd, who said he looks forward to continuing work with the City of Hanceville in the future.
Cullman County Economic Development Director Matt Kinsland, along with Project Coordinator Luke Wood, presented a grant from the Firehouse Subs Foundation in the amount of $34,744 to Hanceville Fire and Rescue to cover various equipment upgrades.
Fire Chief Rodger Green expressed his appreciation, saying, “I’d like to thank the board of Cullman County Economic Development, and Luke and Matt for their efforts in helping us get this. They’ve done a great job, and we really appreciate it.”
In other business:
- The council heard from Morris Williams, candidate for Cullman County Schools Superintendent. Williams pledged to, if elected, run the office with integrity and accountability.
- The council motioned to revoke the City’s health insurance stipend option, citing lack of interest.
- Hanceville City Hall will be closed Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The next Hanceville City Council meeting will be Thursday, Jan. 25, at Hanceville City Hall. Work session begins at 5 p.m. with meeting called to order at 5:30. The public is invited to attend.
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