Mobile County CommissionMobile County Seal
District 2
News & Events

Commis
sioner Connie Hudson
September 5, 2014 
 messagech
MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER

CONNIE HUDSON

During the Thursday, September 4 Commission Conference, the Commission presented a proposed FY2015 budget. The budget will be formally adopted by the Commission at the Friday, September 19 meeting. Budget highlights and recommendations include:

  • two cost of living raises for county employees, one 2.5% raise effective the first pay period in October 2014, the second (either a 2.5% or an hourly rate increase) effective for the first pay period in April 2015.
  • employee subsistence to remain at $10 per work day
  • prior budget reductions will remain in place
  • no additional changes in health insurance premiums
  • the employee health clinic not funded by the general fund
  • operational expenses level funded
  • capital improvements not budgeted; to be handled through a capital improvement warrant issue

Projected revenues in the General Fund are approximately $123 million and are derived from property tax and sales tax revenue. Additional restricted fund revenues for road and bridge improvements are projected at approximately $51 million.

 

One of the road and bridge restricted funds is the Special Highway Tax fund also known as the Pay-As-You-Go Road Improvement Program. This program includes road and bridge projects which will be included on the November 4, 2014 ballot. For a listing of the proposed Commission District 2 Pay-As-You-Go road improvement projects Click Here. Mobile County's Pay-As-You-Go Road Improvement Program was first approved in 1977 and has generated over $500 million in road improvements throughout the county since that time!  

 

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend! 

 

Warmest Regards,

Connie

Commissioner Hudson pictured with Principal James Gill of Mary G. Montgomery High School at the school's August 29 ALS fundraising event.
Congratulations to Ima Eubanks, Mobile County Recording Secretary, retiring after 32 years of public service. Pictured with Ima (2nd from left) at her retirement party are her sisters, Cynthia Williams and Deborah Thomaston along with Commissioner Hudson.
 

 

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IN THIS ISSUE
 
dogFEATURED MOBILE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER
PETS OF THE WEEK, "EDNA AND BANDIT"

 

 

Edna, a ten month old, 31 pound English Foxhound Mix was brought into the Mobile County Animal Shelter on August 4. She is very friendly, playful, gets along well with other dogs and will make a wonderful addition to any loving home.

 

Bandit is a one year old, 56 pound American Bulldog Mix who was brought to the shelter on August 7 after the death of his owner. He is a friendly bundle of joy who loves to play, gets along well with other dogs, and walks well on a leash. He is an awesome dog. 

 

The adoption fee for each is $80 and includes one set of shots, a dewormer, the spaying/neutering of the animal and a one year rabies vaccination. If you are interested in adopting Edna and/or Bandit, please contact the Mobile County Animal Shelter at 574-3647(DOGS).  

      

For more information on the Mobile County Animal Shelter or to view a list of all current adoptable pets at the MCAS Click Here.     

 

MCAS is always appreciative of donations: toys, leashes, collars and treats or monetary donations are also accepted.  

rabiesHEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS LOW COST
RABIES VACCINATIONS
  

 

The Mobile County Health Department has announced the dates and locations of their rabies clinics during the month of September. Every month the Health Department's veterinarian provide low-cost vaccines for dogs, cats and ferrets for hundreds of residents.

 

Below is a list of this month's rabies clinics planned each Saturday during the month of September. Shots are $8 per pet, except at B&B Pet Stop, where the cost is $10. All payments must be made in cash.

  • 8 a.m. to noon, September 6, mile marker 18 on Byrd Cemetery Road in the Georgetown community
  • 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., September 13, Pet Supplies Plus, 803 Hillcrest Road
  • 7 a.m. to noon, September 20, Eddie Smith's Country Store, 14045 Celeste Road
  • 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., September 27, B&B Pet Stop, 5035 Cottage Hill Road

 

Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system and is transmitted from infected mammals to man. It is fatal once symptoms appear.

Symptoms include unusual behavior, irritability, headache, fever, inability to eat or drink, balance problems, circling, seizures, coma, and, finally, death. All warm-blooded mammals, are susceptible to rabies.

 

For more information call the MCHD at 690-8130 or Click Here

SAWDC WORLDS OF OPPORTUNITY EVENT
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESsawdc1

 

The 2014 South Alabama Workforce Development Council (SAWDC) Worlds of Opportunity Career Expo will be held on September 24 and September 25 at the Mobile Civic Center in Downtown Mobile. Volunteers play a very important role in the success of this event, which hosts over 10,000 8th grade students during a two-day period for an interactive, hands-on career exploration.

The purpose of the event is to expose students to careers available locally and to demonstrate what each career involves through an interactive, engaging series of activities. The decision to target 8th grade students was a strategic one; eighth grade is a critical year for students as they are deciding on coursework pathways for the remainder of their high school years and beyond.
SAWDC Worlds of Opportunity 2010
SAWDC Worlds of Opportunity 2010
Twelve different industries are showcased in exhibits, called "Worlds." Industries featured are Aerospace, Automotive Technology, Communications, Construction, Energy, Engineering & Design, Healthcare, Hospitality & Tourism, Manufacturing, Shipbuilding & Repair (Maritime), Public Service and Safety.
 
For more information or to register to volunteer Click Here. Once you've submitted your information, Sherry Wade, the volunteer coordinator, will provide you more detailed information. 

The Mobile Sports Authority (MSA) is a 501�4 non-profit organization created in 2009 to attract, initiate, manage, support, and/or host regional, national, and international sporting events and sports-related business for the Mobile County area in order to create a positive economic impact, a better public image, and a better quality of life for our local citizens. The MSA has become our community's clearinghouse and main point of contact for sports and sports-related events and is committed to developing the Mobile area's sports product.spotlight 

 

From October 2011 through August 2014, the MSA has attracted, hosted, supported, and managed 59 sporting events (non-tennis) in Mobile County entailing approximately 30 different sports which have brought an estimated economic impact to the Mobile area of over $42 million. MSA also has confirmed 11 future sporting events which will bring another $60 million of estimated economic impact to our area over the next 7 years. Click Here to view a list of sporting venues offered in Mobile County. 

 

If you have an idea for a sporting event which would attract visitors to Mobile County contact MSA Executive Director, Danny Corte, at [email protected] or call the MSA office at 725-1794 to discuss the possibilities.      


summercalendarMOBILE COUNTY SUMMER CALENDAR
PENGUIN PLANET AT THE GULF COAST EXPLOREUM
 
When: Now through January 2015
Where:
Gulf Coast Exploreum, 65 Government Street, Downtown Mobile

This latest exhibit at the Exploreum features four African black-footed penguins. The endangered penguins will remain through early January 2015. Sponsored by PNC Bank, Penguin Planet will feature a unique tank created to emulate the penguins' natural habitat. In addition, special trainers will deliver hourly talks about the penguins, which will teach visitors about the penguins' markings, eating habits and more.  

 

For more information call 208-6873 or Click Here to visit the Exploreum's website.

 

 
 

CITY OF MOBILE DISTRICT 5 COMMUNITY MEETING

 

When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 9

Where: Apostolic Church of God, 4050 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile 

 

Join Councilman Joel Daves for a community meeting. Invited guests include City of Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Public Works Director Bill Harkins, Planning and Development Director Diane Irby, Police Chief James Barber, Interim Fire Chief Randy Smith, and Mobile Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO Al Hutchinson. 

 

For more information contact the City Council office at 208-7441.  

 

 

MOBILE MEMORIAL GARDENS 9/11 REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY

american-flag-banner.jpg    

When: 10 a.m. Thursday, September 11

Where: Mobile Memorial Gardens, 6100 Three Notch Road, Mobile

 

This event is to honor and remember those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on 9/11.  The ceremony will be held in the "First Responders Heroes Garden" at the cemetery. This event will feature the posting of colors, the national anthem, a dove release ceremony, Master of Ceremonies Chaplain Ron Pierce and City of Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson delivering a short message.

 

For more information call Mobile Memorial Gardens at 661-1333.   

 

 

LODA ARTWALK

 

When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, September 12 

Where: Lower Dauphin Art District, Downtown Mobile 

 

Second Fridays in downtown Mobile is the place to be! Join downtown art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops as they open their doors and welcome you inside to see beautiful artwork, sample delicious foods and hear the sounds of the LoDa Artwalk.   

 

 


 

MOBILE FASHION WEEK

 

When: September 21 through September 27

Where: Click Here to view a schedule of events, includes venue.

 

This week-long showcase will feature numerous local boutiques as well as the talents of local models, designers and stylists. The event will feature a kick-off party, several fashion shows and a grand finale. A percentage of ticket sales and sponsorship donations are donated each year to Camp Rap-A-Hope, the camp for kids with cancer.

 

For more information or to purchase tickets Click Here to view the Mobile Fashion Week website. 

 

 

I-10 BRIDGE/BAYWAY DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 23 and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, September 29

Where: Alabama Cruise Terminal, Downtown Mobile (September 23) and Five Rivers Delta Resource Center, Bayway, Spanish Fort (September 29) 

 

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has scheduled two public hearing dates to obtain citizen input on the proposed bridge location. Click Here to visit the ALDOT website for the proposed project. The website features details on public hearings, the approved Draft Environmental Impact Statement, renderings, maps, and other information. 

 

Submission of an official comment for review in the Final Environmental Impact Statement can be done in person at the hearings, online, or by mailing an official comment form to ALDOT's Mobile Area Office. Comments must be received by Friday, November 7, 2014. The comment forms will be available online on September 23.   

 

Hard copies of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement can also be found at the following locations in Mobile County:

 

* ALDOT Mobile Office

* Ben May Main Library

* Mobile Metropolitan Planning Organization

* Offices of the City of Mobile

* Offices of Mobile County

* Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce

* Texas Street Community Center

 

For more information contact Kathryn D. Hamlett, ALDOT Southwest Region Media and Community Relations Officer at 470-8375.   

 

 

 

 

VOTER ID CARD EVENT

 

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, September 29

Where: Connie Hudson Mobile Regional Senior Community Center, 3201 Hillcrest Road, Mobile

 

Alabama Secretary of State Jim Bennett announced that there will be photo voter ID mobile unit visits continuing into October. This will be in preparation for the November general election. Photo voter ID cards are given to qualified voters free of charge. In addition to the mobile unit sites, voters can visit their local Board of Registrar's office or the Secretary of State's office during their weekly hours of operation to receive a free photo voter ID. A voter can also receive a free non-driver ID for purposes of voting at any office that issues non-driver ID cards. A voter can use any of the following forms of photo ID at the polls:

 

Valid Alabama Driver's License

Valid Alabama Nondriver ID

Valid Alabama Photo Voter ID card

Valid State Issued ID (Alabama or any other state)

Valid Federal issued ID

Valid US passport

Valid Employee ID from Federal Government, State of Alabama, County, Municipality, Board or other entity of this state

Valid student or employee ID from a public or private college or university in the State of Alabama (including postgraduate technical or professional schools)

Valid student or employee ID issued by a state institution of higher learning in any other state

Valid Military ID

Valid Tribal ID

 

If a voter possesses any of the above forms of photo ID, they are not eligible to receive a free Alabama photo voter ID card. For more information on the process on how to receive a free photo voter ID, voters can call 1-800-274-VOTE or Click Here.

 

 

BAYFEST- ALABAMA'S LARGEST MUSIC FESTIVAL

 

When: Friday through Sunday, October 3 through October 5

Where: Downtown Mobile 

 

Bayfest will celebrate its 19th anniversary this year with an expected crowd of more than 200,000 guests, who will see over 125 live music acts on nine stages during the weekend. BayFest has become known throughout the region for its vast array of renowned musical talent appealing to a wide variety of tastes and suitable for the entire family. The event also includes a family stage and an extensive children's activity area.

 

Cost: Weekend Pass $60 ($80 after September 19), Day Pass $40 (limited availability), Children 12 and under admitted free with ticketed adult. Group discounts available to groups of 20 or more.

 

For more information, to purchase tickets or to view scheduled events Click Here to view the Bayfest website.  

 

 

MOBILE POPS CONCERTS

 

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, October 4

Where: Mobile County Bicentennial Pavilion, Medal of Honor Park, Mobile 

 

When: 7 p.m. Monday, October 6

Where: Mary G. Montgomery High School Auditorium, 4275 Snow Road North, Semmes

 

For more information on these free concert events Click Here to view the Mobile Pops website. 

 

 

For additional information on City of Mobile events Click Here.

diMOBILE COUNTY COMMUNITIES' NEWSLETTER LINKS   

Click Here to view the Town Crier, the official news of Dauphin Island from Mayor Jeff Collier and the Town Council. 
 


Click Here to view the official newsletter of the Tillman's Corner Chamber of Commerce.

 

 

 

Click Here to view the latest news from the Downtown Mobile Alliance on their Facebook page. 

 DISTRICT 2 ROAD PROJECTS UPDATEroad 

Current District 2 road projects are moving along toward completion. Click Here to view a complete list of ongoing road projects in Mobile County Commission District 2.

seniorcenterSEMMES SENIOR CENTER NEWSLETTER  

Click Here for the latest edition.
 Click Here for the September activities calendar.
Semmes Senior Center
9635 Moffett Road, Semmes, Alabama
financeMOBILE COUNTY FINANCIAL UPDATE
Through July we have completed 83% of the fiscal year. Our year-to-date revenue through July 2014 is $110,881,732.32. This represents 90.76% of budgeted FY2014 revenue. Receipt for many of our major revenues lags by one month. Most of the property tax revenue and business license revenue is collected in December and January. The positive variance in Miscellaneous Revenue is due to the sale of property and other one time revenues. The year-to-date expenditures through July are $104,914,960.27. This is 82.24% of total budgeted expenditures for the fiscal year. We expect expenditures to be below 83% on this report. The Health, Welfare and Education categories are primarily appropriations that are paid quarterly. Debt service is paid based on an amortization schedule. Through July both expenditures and revenues are within expected ranges.

Click Here to view the latest financial update.
kudosKUDOS & CONGRATULATIONS


Congratulations to Commissioner Merceria Ludgood on her inauguration as 2014-2015 President of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA). Commissioner Hudson was also re-elected during the ACCA annual conference as the District 12 Board of Directors Member.



Congratulations to Wilmer Elementary for being named a "Torchbearer" school for the 2012-2013 school year! The Torchbearer designation is awarded to Alabama schools that have met significant and difficult academic benchmarks despite a significant population of low-income students. Great job Wilmer Wildcats! 
 meetings MOBILE COUNTY UPCOMING COMMISSION MEETINGS 

Commission Regular Meeting
When: 10 a.m. Monday, September 8
Where: Government Plaza Auditorium 

Combined Commission Conference and Regular Meeting
When: 10 a.m. Friday, September 19
Where: Government Plaza Auditorium
(2014 Budget approval)

Commission Conference 
When: 10 a.m. Thursday, October 9
Where: Government Plaza Multi-Purpose Room

Commission Regular Meeting
When: 10 a.m. Monday, October 13
Where: Government Plaza Auditorium 
 
Click Here for more information and to view the agendas for the above meetings as they are posted.
CONTACT COMMISSIONER HUDSON
   Commissioner Connie Hudson
   Mobile County Commission
   P.O. Box 1443
   Mobile, Alabama 36633
   Office: (251) 574-2000
   Office Fax:
(251) 574-2001

   Mailing Address:
205 Government Street, 10th Floor
   Mobile, Alabama 36602