The Cullman County Commission on Tuesday passed a resolution formally opposing Senate Bill 322, asserting the proposal to let municipalities annex community development districts without contiguous borders could fragment governance and disrupt county planning. The commission also approved several consent-agenda items and routine actions, including speed-limit changes, appointments and subdivision approvals.

The resolution says SB 322 would allow municipalities to annex community development districts without requiring contiguous borders and could complicate infrastructure planning, local zoning and service delivery. Commissioners moved the resolution after public comment from residents who said the measure would affect communities across Cullman County.

Speakers at the meeting urged residents to contact state legislators. The resolution cites concerns about “fragmented governance” and potential loss of local control; the commission approved the measure by voice vote and did not record a roll-call tally in the meeting transcript.

Beyond the annexation resolution, the commission approved consent items including two speed-limit changes (County Road 1207 and County Road 287), appointed Shirley Arnett to the Cullman Area Mental Health Authority Board for a six-year term expiring April 1, 2031, and approved miscellaneous permits, bond extensions and subdivision actions. The commission also rejected a contractor quote related to a sheriff’s office renovation/investigation line item.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 2025-27 (oppose SB 322): Approved by voice vote; the resolution opposes Senate Bill 322 as described above.
- Resolution 2025-25: Change speed limit to 25 mph on County Road 1207 — approved by voice vote.
- Resolution 2025-26: Change speed limit to 25 mph on County Road 287 — approved by voice vote.
- Denial of quote from Z1 LLC Home Repair for sheriff’s office renovation/investigation, $43,750 — motion to deny approved by voice vote.
- Appointment: Shirley Arnett to Cullman Area Mental Health Authority Board, term to expire 04/01/2031 — approved by voice vote.
- Nomination: Britney Herriman to the 250th celebration committee — approved by voice vote.
- Purchase: Engine for bus #22-4 from Long Lewis (vendor name transcribed as given), $11,342.95 — approved by voice vote.
- Permit extension (bond) for an existing subdivision in Commission District 4, bond amount $413,000 — approved by voice vote.
- Preliminary plat: Bethel Subdivision, 9 lots, Commission District 3 — approved by voice vote.
- Permit extension: Cheney Branch Farms Subdivision bond, $172,958 — approved by voice vote.
- Variance request for Flat Rock Cove to allow access from a privately maintained road (County Road 931) — approved based on county attorney recommendation.

Why it matters

The commission’s resolution targets a state-level proposal that local officials say would change long-standing annexation rules by permitting noncontiguous annexations of development districts. The county’s statement argues that such a law could shift service costs and planning responsibilities between municipal and county governments, with economic and infrastructure consequences for residents and local governments.

What commissioners and residents said

Public commenters and commissioners described the measure as potentially sweeping and urged constituent outreach to state lawmakers. The resolution text names State Sen. Darla Guthrie as the bill’s primary sponsor and references Sen. Wagner as a sponsor. Meeting participants discussed contacting legislators and seeking a legislative reversal if the bill advanced without changes.

Other business

The meeting also included routine administrative items: minutes and payroll approvals, nominations and appointments, development-permit extensions, preliminary plat approvals, and scheduling of the next work session and commission meeting. Several items were handled on the consent agenda and approved by voice vote.

The commission set its next work session for Tuesday, 05/20/2025 at 4 p.m. and its next regular meeting for Tuesday, 05/20/2025 at 6 p.m.