RV City Council clears path for 24-unit apartment complex to be constructed

Financially speaking, the City of Russellville received a clean bill of health after the completion of an audit of the city’s FY2024-25 financial statement.

Certified Public Accountant Don Wallace of Northport conducted the audit and presented his findings to the Russellville City Council at the council’s June 1st meeting.

The audit reviewed the year ending September 30, 2025, and is available for public inspection during normal business hours at the Russellville City Hall.

The audit showed a total of $39,743,222 in assets for the City of Russellville, compared to total liabilities of $17,826,043, resulting in a finding of net assets of $21,997,179.

“You are in very good financial condition. The audit showed no difficulties encountered and no discrepancies found,” Wallace told the council.

In other agenda items at the June 1st meeting, the council:

—enacted an ordinance reestablishing the zone of property located on Guard Street near Highway 43 from heavy industry (M-2) to multi-family (R-3).

The ordinance followed the recommendation of the City of Russellville’s Zoning and Planning Commission. The request for rezoning came from Greg and Sandra Lane and Will Lane. Lane told the council he intends to construct a 24-unit apartment complex at the location. The complex will be named Garmin Creek Apartments, he said.

Guard Street is located south of Gandy Street and west of Highway 43.

Prior to the ordinance being enacted, a public hearing was conducted to receive input on the proposed rezoning and there were no individuals who spoke for or against measure.

Councilman Darren Woodruff said he supported the zoning revision because Russellville has a shortage of quality rental housing and city officials need to be supportive of infrastructure growth.

“I appreciate Will and his company for making investments into our city that will help it grow by building another option for quality rental living in Russellville,” Woodruff said.

—accepted the highest submitted bid, $18,777,77, from JJ Merchant of Hackleburg for the purchase of a 2014 CAT299D skid steer previously declared as surplus property in the Russellville Street Department.

—approved a contract with TangoTango for the purchase of 39 radios and remote speaker microphones for the Russellville Police Department and a maintenance contract for the radios.

—authorized the Russellville Fire Department to submit a grand application through the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program for purchase of equipment up to $150,000.

—authorized the Russellville Fire Department to submit a grant application through the JMCM/SAFER grant, with grant funds to be used for the purchase of LUCAS machines, nozzles and new fire hoses.

—approved a contract with Taylor Sudden Service of Bessemer to inspect and maintain generators at each of the city’s nine storm shelters.

—approved a claim of $1,056.38 submitted by Shelia Cook for damage caused by a piece of city heavy equipment to her windshield.

—declared a vacancy for Heavy Equipment Operator in the Street Department and authorized advertisement for the position.

The next regular meeting of the Russellville City Council will be June 15, 2026, with work session at 6 p.m., and meeting to follow.