Mobile County CommissionMobile County Seal
District 2
News & Events

Commissioner Connie Hudson
February 5, 2015  
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MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER CONNIE HUDSON

FY2014 END-OF-THE-YEAR REPORT

On January 22, 2015 the Mobile County Commission officially closed out the FY2014 budget year (which ended September 30, 2014), and issued an end-of-the-year unaudited financial report. Highlights of the report include:

REVENUES
  • Sales tax receipts were 4.30% above 2013 receipts, Property tax receipts on motor vehicles were 11.80% above the 2014 budget, and the total one-time revenue for sale of fixed assets (property) and other miscellaneous items was $3,725,243.16.
  • Expenditures in the General Fund totaled 95% of budgeted expenditures.
  • Real property taxes were 1.07% below budget revenues for FY2014.
  • The fiscal year ended with $7.6 million in the undesignated fund balance.

Based on the improving revenue trend and cost control measures that contributed to the availability of the undesignated fund balance, the Commission approved a 2.5% cost of living raise for county employees beginning the first pay period in February (two months earlier than originally planned) and also a $500 one-time salary supplement for all eligible employees to be issued February 27, 2015.

 

Click Here to view the FY2014 end-of-the-year executive summary.

 

Mobile Mardi Gras is now in full swing with parades rolling in downtown Mobile nearly every night from now until Tuesday, February 17 (Fat Tuesday). Tonight the Order of Polka Dots parade starts at 6:30 p.m. Click Here to view the 2015 Mobile Mardi Gras parade schedule and parade routes. Have a safe and happy Mardi Gras!
 

Warmest Regards  

and Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!,

Connie   

Pictured with Commissioner Hudson at the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Legislative Luncheon February 2 are (L to R) Alabama State Representative Victor Gaston, Mobile City Councilwoman Bess Rich, and Michael Berson, Chair of the Chamber's State Governmental Affairs Committee.
Pictured with Commissioner Hudson are (L to R), Pastor of The River Church Dr. Chris Farley, Alabama State Representative Jack Williams, City of Semmes Mayor Judy Hale and Semmes Volunteer Fire Department Chief John Edmond at the City of Semmes Public Safety Training Complex and Mobile County Fire Training Tower Grand Opening on January 23, 2015.
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IN THIS ISSUE
 
recycleupdateUPDATE: MOBILE COUNTY RECYCLING CENTER

The Mobile County Recycling Center, located at 7450 Hitt Road, has been a huge success in its first 60 days of operation. Managed and operated by Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast (GESGC), the center is serving 500 cars per week on average. Frank Harkins, GESGC CEO quantified the success by saying, "We received 588,000 pounds in the first 60 days, we thought we'd be at 250,000 pounds in our three year business plan."    

 

The center hosted two classes of first graders, teachers and parents from St. Ignatius Catholic School on January 29. The classes and chaperones arrived at the center and spent the day learning about the recycling process and how it helps our communities and environment by conserving landfill space and energy. The group also toured the center which included seeing the equipment at work. The children received hands-on learning on how recyclables are collected, sorted, and processed by recycling their own items brought from home. 

 

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

 

Individuals interested in volunteering at the Mobile County Recycling Center can Click Here and click on the "Be an Enviro-Hero" link at the top of the page. Volunteers under 18 will  have the opportunity to help people as they unload their recyclables, while those over 18 will be able to help sort materials inside the warehouse.


The Mobile County Recycling Center is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. For more information contact the Center at 459-8426 or Click Here.

  

blackhistorybyrneCONGRESSMAN BYRNE TO MAKE AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH PRESENTATION IN MOBILE

Congressman Bradley Byrne (AL-1) will make a special presentation at 1:30 p.m. Friday, February 6 in honor of African American History Month at the History Museum of Mobile, 111 South Royal Street, Downtown Mobile.

 

Congressman Byrne will present information and displays on two of the first African Americans elected to Congress. Interestingly, both of the men are from Alabama and represented the First Congressional District. Local elected officials have been invited to attend the presentation.

(L to R) Benjamin Turner and Jeremiah Haralson 
Benjamin Turner and Jeremiah Haralson were both born into slavery but went on to become Members of Congress. Mr. Turner served in the House of Representatives from 1871 to 1873, and Mr. Haralson served from 1875 to 1877. Congressman Byrne will present historical displays on both of the men and information provided by the House of Representatives' Office of the Historian.

 

For more information contact Congressman Bryne's Mobile office at 690-2811. 

dogFEATURED MOBILE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER
PET OF THE WEEK, "REBA"

Reba, a 1-year-old Lab mix, is a super sweet, happy dog, and she already knows basic commands such as sit!  Reba's adoption fee is $80, which will include a one-year rabies vaccination, a 5-in-1 vaccination, a wormer, and her spay.  If you are interested in adopting Reba, please contact the Mobile County Animal Shelter (MCAS) at 574-3647(DOGS) or stop by the shelter at 7665 Howells Ferry Road. You can also follow the MCAS on Facebook, Instagram (mcacshelter), or Twitter (@mcacshelter) to receive updates about adoptable pets and upcoming events!  

 

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 accepted.  

taxprepVOLUNTEER TAX PREPARATION PROGRAM

DISTRICT 2 LOCATION FOR TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE

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

When: Mondays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. February 9, 23/March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30/April 6, 13 and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

February 7, 14, 21, 28/March 7, 14, 21, 28/April 4, 11  

 

Click Here for a complete listing of all locations and dates 

 

By appointment only: 574-7787

    
ozanam2The Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy is a non-profit organization that provides life-sustaining medication free of charge to persons with severely limited income who qualify for assistance.

Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy serves close to 1,700 patients and fills over 34,000 prescriptions (with a retail value of $1.5 million) annually for Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia Counties. Their operations rely on financial donations from grants, foundations, local contracts, corporations, partnerships with United Way and Catholic Charities, fundraising efforts and individuals. The donations are used to purchase over $100,000 in generic medication. The agency also relies on local physicians to donate in-date sample medications

Its partnership with Auburn University's Harrison School of Pharmacy helps to administer the Medication Therapy Management Program where 4-year Pharmacy students assist patients with understanding their treatment plan, disease state and how to take their medication correctly. This 45-minute to one-hour program was created and implemented by pharmacy students from Auburn University. This past year, the students enrolled and followed up with 128 patients.

Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy Services Are As Easy As 1-2-3

Step 1: Call 432-4111 to find a certifying agency near you, and to make an appointment to see a case manager to qualify.

Step 2: Be prepared to bring a Driver's License or Photo ID, a current bill with address, price list or receipts for medications and proof of household income (for everyone living in the home) which may include:

-Statement showing social security, disability, retirement benefits, or food stamp letter. 
-Pay check stubs or tax return (1099s or W-2s are also accepted.) 
-Any other documents the patient thinks may be relevant to their financial situation.

Step 3: If you qualify, bring a valid prescription to Ozanam Pharmacy to be filled. Ask your physician to approve the use of a generic product.

For more information call Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy at 432-4111 or Click Here to visit the organization's website.  
summercalendarMOBILE COUNTY WINTER CALENDAR

 

 

        

 

 

      

MOBILE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 6 COMMUNITY BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT

   

When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, February 7 

Where: Intersection of Airport Boulevard and Hillcrest Road, Mobile 

  

Join Keep Mobile Beautiful and Alabama Power Community Service Volunteers to plant trees, shrubs and beds at the Airport Boulevard and Hillcrest Road intersection. Citizens are requested to bring shovels, rakes and gloves. 

  

For more information on this project contact the Mobile City Council Office at 208-7441.

 

 

WINTER WEDNESDAYS AT BELLINGRATH GARDENS

 

When: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Now through February 25

Where: Bellingrath Gardens and Home, 12401 Bellingrath Road, Theodore 

 

Every year, Bellingrath Gardens and Home hosts specialized workshops when the weather gets chilly in winter months. Each workshop covers a special feature of the Gardens or Home, tips for making your garden more spectacular or guest lectures and workshops from renowned members of the horticultural and gardening world. Click Here to view a listing of event topics. 

 

Cost: Free for members; $12.50 for non-members 

 

For more information call BGH at 973-2217 or Click Here to visit the BGH website.

 

 

ALABAMA COASTAL FOUNDATION MARDI GRAS ECO-TEAM

 

When: Saturday, February 14 through Wednesday, February 18

Where: Downtown Mobile

 

The Alabama Coastal Foundation (ACF) is recruiting volunteers to help them in a recycling initiative on the last four days of Mardi Gras season. Volunteers will collect recyclables along the parade route and encourage parade-goers to drop their aluminum cans and plastic bottles into the carts. Additionally, wire baskets and clear-stream recycling containers will be set up throughout Downtown Mobile and volunteers will be responsible for emptying those containers and keeping them from overflowing. Also, volunteers will help sort aluminum from plastic. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older to participate.

 

For more information or to volunteer contact the Eco-Team Coordinator, Valerie Longa at 990-6002 or Click Here to visit the ACF website. 


 

2015 SEVERE WEATHER PREPAREDNESS SALES TAX HOLIDAY

   

When: 12:01 a.m. Friday, February 20 through midnight on Sunday, February 22

 

Alabama's fourth annual sales tax holiday will give shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain severe weather preparedness supplies free of state sales or use tax. Local sales and use tax may apply. Retailers are required to participate and may not charge tax on items that are legally 

tax-exempt during the Sales Tax Holiday.  Click Here for a list of tax exempt items. 

 

For more information Click Here to visit the Alabama Department of Revenue website.  

 

 

MOBILE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER ADOPTION EVENT

   

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, February 21

Where: Mobile County Animal Shelter, 7665 Howells Ferry Road, Mobile 

 

The Mobile County Animal Shelter will be hosting a post-mardi gras adoption where all adoptable animals at the shelter will be available at a discounted adoption fee.  

 

For more information contact the MCAS at 574-3647 or Click Here. 

 

  

MOBILE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: BACK TO BACH

   

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, February 21 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, February 22

Where: Saenger Theatre, Downtown Mobile

 

The Mobile Symphony Orchestra (MSO)will celebrate the music of the Baroque era with Back to Bach, featuring the music of Handel, Vivaldi and of course, the most recognized composer of the genre- Bach. The 

program will span the Baroque, Classical and Post Romantic period with Grammy-nominated guest conductor Patrick Quigley, and soprano Kathryn Mueller.

 

For more information or to purchase tickets contact the MSO Box Office at 432-2010 or Click Here to visit the MSO website. 

 

 

 

CITY OF MOBILE DISTRICT 7 COMMUNITY MEETINGS

   

When: 6 p.m. Monday, February 23

Where: Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile  

 

When: 6 p.m. Monday, March 2

Where: St. John Methodist Church, 6215 Overlook Road, Mobile 

 

Join Mobile City Council President Gina Gregory and invited guests Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Finance Director Paul Wesch, City Engineer Nick Amberger, Police Chief James Barber and 4th Precinct Captain Baroneise Dixon to discuss District 7 capital improvement priorities.

 

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

 

 

HAMMERIN' FOR HABITAT 5K RUN/WALK

 

When: 7 a.m. Saturday,  February 28

Where: The University of South Alabama's SGA Pavilion, 375 Cleverdon Parkway, Mobile, behind The Grove Apartments. 

 

The Hammerin' for Habitat 5K Run & Walk is an event aimed to raise awareness about the work and mission of Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Alabama. Registration can be made in person at Run-N-Tri Mobile and McCoy Outdoors until noon on Thursday, February 26, or online at active.com.

 

Entry Fees: Pre-Registered: $20 Adults; $10 Kids (6-12);Kids Free (5 & under)/ Day of: $25 Adults;$10 Kids (6-12);Kids Free (5 & under) 

 

For more information contact Habitat for Humanity Southwest Alabama at 476-7171. 

 

 

MOBILE COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ANNUAL HORTICULTURAL SEMINAR 

   

When: Saturday, February 28

Where: Mobile  Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile  

 

Mobile County Master Gardeners, a volunteer group dedicated to sharing the art and science of horticulture and sponsored by the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service (ACES), invites all Mobile gardeners to attend this event. This year's event brings to Mobile two well known horticulturalists and garden authors, Dr. William C. Welch, author of Perennial Garden Color and Chris Wiesinger, author of The Bulb Hunter. These experts will share their knowledge and experiences with heirloom southern perennials and bulbs, offering some bulbs for sale. The event will include a box lunch, silent auction, and author book signing.   


Cost: Registration is $25 for the general public and includes a box lunch. The deadline to register is Friday, February 20. 

For more information Click Here or call the ACES at 574-8445.

 

OZANAM CHARITABLE PHARMACY LUCKY DUCK GALA

   

When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 5

Where: Mobile Carnival Museum, 355 Government Street, Downtown Mobile 

 

Laissez les bons temps roulez! This Mardi Gras style gala will be the primary fundraiser for this organization which provides medication to the uninsured of Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties. To combat the rising cost of prescription medication, Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy is extending Mardi Gras season for one extra night of fun and revelry, to raise money for a great cause. The event will feature a tour of the museum, traditional Mardi Gras food, live entertainment, and a silent auction. 

 

Cost: $50 per person

 

For more information or to purchase tickets visit Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy, 571 Dauphin Street, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday or call 432-4111.

 


2015 AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION GO RED FOR WOMEN INFORMATIONAL SESSION AND LUNCHEON
 
When: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 6
Where: Mobile Cruise Terminal, 210 South Water Street, Downtown Mobile

This will be an informative and powerful day for women with free health screenings, sponsor booths, a local health care professional speaker, a fashion show and true and inspirational stories from local women about their struggles with heart disease and stroke. A heart healthy lunch will be served.

Cost: $75 per tickets or $1,000 sponsorship for a table of 8

For more information contact Erica Hall at 463-7519 or Click Here to visit the events website.

 

For additional information on City of Mobile events Click Here.

diMOBILE COUNTY COMMUNITY 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 latest official newsletter from the City of Semmes with a message from Semmes Mayor Judy Hale. Click Here to view the latest newsletter from the City of Semmes Chamber of Commerce "Azalea News" 


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 the DMA Facebook page.   

 

 

  

Click Here to view the latest edition of the Semmes Senior Center newsletter and Click Here to view the latest activities calendar. 

 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.

financeMOBILE COUNTY FINANCIAL UPDATE

Through December we have completed 25% of the 2015 fiscal year. Our year-to-date revenue through December is $31,429,485.39. This represents 25.52% of budgeted  FY2015 revenue. Receipt of many of our major revenues lag by one month. Most of the property tax revenue and business license revenue is collected in December and January. The year-to-date expenditures and transfers through December are $27,216,698.47. This is 21.64% of total budgeted expenditures and transfers for the fiscal year. We expect expenditures to be below 25% on this report. Through December both expenditures and revenues are within expected ranges.

 

Click Here to view the latest General Fund Budget Report in full. 

 meetings MOBILE COUNTY UPCOMING COMMISSION MEETINGS 
Commission Regular Meeting 
When: 10 a.m. Monday, February 9
Where: Government Plaza Auditorium

Commission Combined Conference and Regular Meeting
When: 10 a.m. Thursday, February 19
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