The City of Pell City has a lot of improvements planned in the upcoming fiscal year.

The Pell City City Council approved a $1.3 million paving project to update streets throughout the city. Over 78,536 feet of roads within the city limits are on the list. 

“It is important that we consistently invest in infrastructure,” Pell City City Manager Brian Muenger said. “We need to create a more substantial capital campaign and devise a plan to divert needed funds for future projects. People expect the roads to be well-maintained, and we need investments to do that.”

The City has sufficient funds to cover the current paving project, which passed unanimously at the July 10 meeting. 

“We’ve got a good list (of roads for paving,)” City Council Member Jud Alverson said. “It’s important where funds come from for the next paving fund.”

One street on the list, Blue Hole Road, is under St. Clair County jurisdiction, but has Pell City city limits at both ends.  The City will work in conjunction with St. Clair County to pave this portion of the street.

“We have a good start, but there are still many roads that have a significant need (of improvement,)” Muenger said. “We look forward to the next paving project.”

A schedule of street paving has not been set, but Muenger said this will give the Water and Street Departments time to prepare any utility work and drainage repair. 

The paving project will be expected to take no longer than a month, weather permitting. 

The Pell City City Council also passed another improvement project. The Pell City Civic Center located near Lakeside Park has been approved for a $2.1 million renovation. 

“The $2 million budget is doable, and I think we can achieve all of these goals,” Muenger said. 

The renovation will include updated lighting, HVAC, parking and access, plumbing, and electrical upgrades. Additional restrooms and locker rooms are planned, as well as updating the fitness equipment and moving those into a larger space. 

The existing kitchen, gym, walking track, and meeting rooms will all receive updating within the proposed budget. 

“We want to bring it back more as a recreational facility,” Harold “Bubba” Edge, Jr., Director of Parks and Recreation said.