With a new year comes big changes for the City of Homewood. Last September, residents voted to change the form of government to council-manager. The change will take effect on November 3; however, the city is already preparing for the transition.
The City is currently accepting applications for the role of city manager, and the application period is closing next week. The job description states, "The new government structure will go into effect in November 2025, and this position will aid the City's transition with eligibility to continue the role, pending approval of the new administration. The city manager will lead Homewood into its next chapter of growth, all while enjoying the benefits of a charming small-town atmosphere."
According to the City website, the measure "will change the number of councilors from eleven to four, each designated to represent one of four wards. There will also be a mayor elected city-wide who will serve as council president. That will make it a five-person body to vote on matters of the city."
The process to change the form of government came at the recommendation of an ad-hoc committee created by the city council.
According to the City, "The committee reviewed three cities with city managers: Hoover, Mt. Brook, and Vestavia Hills. They all agreed that the "Council-Manager" model from Vestavia was the best fit for Homewood. This decision came after they interviewed city managers from each location. Of all the options available to attain a city manager for Homewood, the committee believed this was the best option to hire a city manager since the process and responsibilities are guided by state statute, and it meant that the position would be accountable to the full council, including the mayor. This means the position can't be eliminated or altered on a whim. No other option to add a city manager has this."
Last August, Mayor Patrick McClusky announced his retirement, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. He served as mayor for four years.
His announcement came only days after the city's former finance director, Robert Winston Burgett, pleaded guilty to embezzling nearly $950,000 from the city.
Apryl Marie Fogel is a Birmingham resident who frequently appears on and guest hosts radio programs around the state. She can be reached at aprylmarie.fogel@1819news.com or on X and Facebook at @aprylmarie.
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