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By JOYANNA LOVE  | Managing Editor  

The Clanton City Council unanimously approved a full-time director of economic development position during its Oct. 10 meeting. 

The salary for the position will be between $60,000 and $70,000. The search for someone to hire is expected to begin soon.  

“I appreciate what you all (city council) have done to pass this resolution to hire an economic developer,” Mayor Jeff Mims said. “I also told the chairman of the county commission and the mayors of our three cities, Maplesville, Jemison and Thorsby, that we are more than happy to help them with our economic developer.” 

While Clanton will be the main focus for the economic developer, Mims said there would be some opportunities to help the county or another municipality. 

“We all need to understand that what is good for Clanton is good for Chiton County, and what is good for Chilton County is good for us,” Council member Billy Singleton said. “I appreciate the fact that we will be working closely to see both grow economically.” 

A proposed fee of $2 per hotel room or lodging per night, including campgrounds, is being considered as a way to fund the position and other economic development projects. This fee would be in addition to the 6% lodging fee tax. The council had the first reading of the ordinance on Oct. 10, and a vote is expected at a future meeting.  

The ordinance states that the fee would go into the general fund, but it would mostly be used for economic development. If approved, the fee would become effective on Feb. 1, 2023.  

A rezoning request to change city-owned property at 815 Polar Springs Road from AG agricultural to B-2 general business district was unanimously approved. The rezoning is tied to future development of the property.  

Adding a four way stop at the intersection of Country Club Drive, Temple Road and Thrash Road, reducing the speed limit to 35 miles per hour on Temple and Thrash roads and reducing the speed limit to 25 miles per hour during school hours on Temple Road was unanimously approved.  

The Council also approved: 

• Changes to the solid waste disposal contract with the Cahaba Solid Waste Disposal Authority. 
• Purchasing three pedestrian bridges at Clanton City Park through a Transportation Alternatives Program grant through ALDOT. Mims said the city has secured $2 million in grants this year.  

• The annual bid for various road related materials and fuel.