By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – June Fletcher, a Pelham resident who left a lasting impact on the city as a whole, was honored by the Pelham City Council at a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, March 3.

The meeting began with a work session at 5 p.m. The work session saw a discussion regarding a request for the deannexation of the North Shelby library, with a public hearing on the matter scheduled for the next city council meeting on Monday, March 17.

The council discussed Specification Rubber Products’ application for the Alabama Department of Revenue’s tax abatement program for the purpose of expanding their operations in Pelham.

“We appreciate you guys considering Pelham and making that move,” Council President Maurice Mercer said.

The conversation in the work session then shifted to a review of the audited financial statements from Pelham in the 2024 fiscal year. Patrick Bowman, who represents Truitt Tingle Paramore & Argent, a CPA group, gave the breakdown of the audit report.

“Net capital assets for the whole city is $172 million,” Bowman said. “Total assets for the city is $304 million… The net amount that you all have invested in capital assets is $143 million.”

Bowman also said that total tax revenue for the city was approximately $53.5 million this year, adding that the city’s tax revenue last year was approximately $47.8 million. Total revenues, including tax revenue, added up to approximately $94 million, compared to $87 million last year. The city’s total expenses in 2024 added up to $78.9 million.

After Bowman’s report, the council reviewed the City Council agenda and discussed the applicants for Pelham Board of Education Place No. 2. The position is currently held by Angie Hester, whose term expires in June 2025. Interviews for potential candidates will be held on Monday, March 10.

The city council meeting began at 7 p.m. The consent agenda for the meeting, which consisted of various infrastructure updates around the city, was passed unanimously.

The meeting then shifted to honoring the life and legacy of June Fletcher. Fletcher passed away at the age of 82 on Thursday, Jan. 30 and leaves behind a legacy of compassion, integrity and dedication to bettering the lives of those around her. A proclamation was read by Neville Peacock, one of Fletcher’s dearest friends, in her honor.

“The city of Pelham mourns the passing of June Lovett Fletcher, a devoted citizen, community leader and advocate who passed away on January 30 at the age of 82,” Peacock said. “June Fletcher dedicated her life to serving others, most notably as the chief executive officer of the Red Cross of Alabama and Central Gulf Coast Region for Blood Services until her retirement in June 2002, providing essential resources and aid to those in need.”

The proclamation declared March 3 as June Fletcher Day in the city of Pelham. Mayor Gary Waters shared a personal anecdote that reflected Fletcher’s love for local government.

“After a particularly difficult council meeting and a rough agenda… June stood up, pointed her finger at me and said, ‘You need to be reminded that we have five council members, not one,’” Waters said.

Waters proceeded to hand out buttons with the words “Five Not One” on them to represent the legacy of Fletcher and her impact on the Pelham City Council. Various citizens then shared stories about Fletcher’s impact on each of their respective lives.

“I’ve heard the mayor read a lot of proclamations, and there’s normally not this many people,” Mercer said. “So, I think that speaks to her life and how she touched each one of you who wanted to be here this evening.”

The meeting closed with the announcement of a special work session on Friday, March 7 to discuss strategic planning for the city in relation to the budget for the 2026 fiscal year. The annual Taste of Pelham will be held on Thursday, April 3 while a spring shred and e-recycling event will be held at Pelham City Hall on Saturday, March 29.

For more information on the Pelham City Council, visit Pelhamalabama.gov.