The Mendenhall Mayor and Board of Aldermen held their first official meeting of the new term on July 1, addressing a full agenda ranging from audit findings and property maintenance to city staffing and infrastructure planning.
Brett Duncan with Charles Prince CPA presented the city’s annual audit report, stating that the board is acting in the best interest of taxpayers and is in compliance with state laws.
Duncan stressed the importance of understanding financial regulations, particularly in areas such as bank reconciliation, tax rolls, and internal controls. The audit team reported a test rate above the state’s required5 percent threshold. Duncan also confirmed that the city’s financials are in good condition, with $1.2 million in governmental funds and just under $500,000 in the water fund.
He noted that changes in state sales tax law would not negatively impact city revenue.In other business, the board voted to rehire all city staff and approved the appointment of Wesley Broadhead as City Attorney.
The board declined to purchase an advertisement in the 2025 Harper Vocational High School program on behalf of the city, though several members indicated they would support the program personally. Mayor Todd Booth informed the board that the Mendenhall Sportsplex sustained damage in recent storms and would require repairs. The board also approved the city’s current financial statements.
Looking ahead, a budget workshop is scheduled for July 29 at 6 p.m. as the board begins preparations for the upcoming fiscal year. In connection with capital projects, Mayor Booth announced that the city has $126,000 earmarked for paving, with the long-term goal of increasing that budget to $200,000 annually.
The board also conducted a series of property reviews under the city’s property cleanup initiative: 611 Simpson Circle was reported abandoned and possibly in the process of being repossessed by a bank. Property Cleanup Manager Suzanne McDonald was asked to gather further details. 221 W. Maude Road received an extension to allow time for a portable building to be moved behind the home. 512 Bailey Street was declared a public hazard after a $1,000 fine and no contact from the owner. The board voted to demolish the structure and apply the cost to the property taxes. Alderwoman Judy Lee opposed, suggesting the funds be used on more deteriorated properties. 415 North Main Street, formerly a funeral home, was cited again with a $500 fine for roofing issues, bringing the total fine to $1,000. The owners requested three months to complete repairs and plan to reopen the building for its original use. 216 North Congress was fined an additional $500 due to no visible progress and will be reassessed next month. 901 Mangum Avenue, which had begun demolition, was also fined $500 after work stalled. It will be reevaluated at the next meeting.
During a public hearing, the following updates were noted:1673 Simpson Highway 149 could not be reviewed due to a lack of proper notification. 501 North Main Street had its lawn cut, and the owner is awaiting demolition cost estimates.
202 West Bell Street remains in violation. The property owner appeared before the board after paying a $500 fine but has yet to clean the site. Mayor Booth explained that the mobile home on the property was condemned prior to the sale, and the city never approved its current use.
The owner said there has not been water at the property for the past six years. He explained that when he went to court the judge gave him a checklist and he has completed everything except getting the water on, because the city will not allow it. Booth said the city never approved any of that. The owner said he purchased the mobile home and rebuilt the floors and walls. Booth said the previous owner sold it to him so she would not have to deal with the legal matters of cleaning up the property.
The board fined the owner another $500 and requested a list of cleanup tasks to be completed before the next meeting.
The owner hopes to eventually replace the trailer with a tiny home, though such structures are not currently allowed within city limits.
Officer Mike George was hired by the Mendenhall Police Department, and Chris Barron was promoted from part-time to full-time officer. The board also accepted the retirement of Police Chief Alexander McCullum.
Discussion began on the 2025 paving project, with board members developing a list of streets to be included. Mayor Booth reiterated the city’s long-term paving budget goal and emphasized infrastructure investment.The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel matters.The next regular board meeting will include further property reassessments and budget planning discussions.
