Mobile County 4^th Quarter Status (Part 2)

2022 Pay-As-You-Go (PayGo) Transportation Program

Citizens of Mobile County have benefitted significantly from the 45-year success story of the County’s PayGo Transportation Program. Once again, on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 citizens will be asked to decide the future of this very important program.

Distinct from the statewide constitutional amendments, the 2022 PayGo Program is listed as a “Special County Election” and is the last measure on the ballot. It is a model program in Alabama unique to Mobile County because it is accomplished without borrowed money and involves no new taxes. The funding source is a county-wide 6.5 mil ad valorem tax which was first approved by voters in 1924 and incorporated into a road and bridge capital construction and improvement program (PayGo) by the County in 1977. Every two years, voters have an opportunity to approve a specific list of road projects which are funded by the amount of PayGo revenues collected. 

The 2022 proposal will ask voters to consider allocating $69 million leveraged with an additional $4.8 million in federal funding to fund county-wide projects as well as projects within each commission district and municipality. The proposed project list can be viewed by clicking here.

Over the years, PayGo projects have literally laid the foundation for growth and prosperity in Mobile County. A thriving community requires that people, goods, and services move freely and easily. PayGo has steadily financed the roadways to accommodate the ongoing increase in residential and industrial development that Mobile County has experienced over the last several decades.

Commission District 2 Park Project Highlights

Mobile County Sportsplex

Soccer Complex - The extensive rainfall we’ve experienced along with the daily usage of the three existing fields by the community, has revealed the need to implement additional field and sideline drainage measures in order to keep the fields playable during inclement weather. Drainage improvement studies are underway and work is expected to commence in December when the fields are scheduled to be closed.

Preliminary measures for ground compaction and preparation are currently underway for the Championship Field and an additional artificial turf field. Phase III design for the remaining five fields and parking lot is expected to commence in early 2023. Completion of Phase II and III is contingent on funding availability.

Aquatic Center – Design for the new indoor/outdoor aquatic center is in the final stage and is expected to be complete by the end of the year. The project, which includes a 25 yard by 25 meter indoor competition pool, an Instructional pool, restroom and locker facilities, an outdoor 50 meter pool, and parking lot will be presented in a phased approach to allow construction to go forward relative to funding availability due to the increased costs of construction materials and equipment.

Escatawpa Hollow Park and Campground

Construction delays have become a major issue in reopening the park’s first phase Day Use area as was originally planned during the Spring of this year. My sincere apologies to all who have patiently waited through these delays for the reopening. The County is trying diligently to work with the construction and project administrators at Watkins Acy Strunk Design, Inc. (WAS) to expedite the completion of Phase I which includes new restrooms, improved waterfront amenities and the expanded RV park. J Hunt Enterprises is the general contractor. Reopening for Day Use is expected to be in mid-October with the RV park opening in early 2023. Phase II design work is near completion along with work on the Master Plan for the entire park. Stay tuned for more updates!

Have a great Labor Day holiday weekend! 

Connie                                              

IN THE COMMUNITY

On Thursday, August 4, Commissioner Hudson addressed members of the Mobile Area Association of Realtors (MAAR) providing a County update of 4th quarter highlights and an overview of Mobile County sports and recreation projects currently underway. Many thanks to the MAAR Government Affairs Committee for hosting the lunch event! Pictured with Commissioner Hudson is Stephanie White, CEO of the Mobile Area Association of Realtors (MAAR), and Chad Fincher, Chairman of the MAAR Government Relations Committee.

Commissioner Hudson extended congratulations to the first class of the Airbus FlightPath9 Early Careers training program through Bishop State Community College on August 5. Collectively, the students earned 769 industry-recognized certifications through NC3 (National Coalition of Certification Centers) and OSHA. The 46 apprentices began their new careers with Airbus immediately upon graduation. Soar high apprentices!

Commissioner Hudson, pictured with University of South Alabama's mascot, SouthPaw, joined in the fun and festivities at USA on August 9 for the Jag-Gals Football Social.

The event is held annually and includes a silent and live auction to help support and advance the academic achievements of USA student-athletes of all 17 sports. Commission District 2 was a sponsor of the event.

"Go Jags!"

On Friday, August 12, Commissioner Hudson presented recently-retired Mobile Film Office Director Eva Golson with a special “Movie Mama” award highlighting Ms. Golson’s 50 years of tireless service working in economic development through Mobile’s film industry.

The award was presented at a meeting of the USS Alabama Battleship Commission.

Congratulations Eva, and best wishes on your retirement!

Commissioner Hudson joined in the festivities celebrating the Via Health, Fitness & Enrichment Center's 50 Years of Service to Seniors in Mobile with music, food, and a silent auction on Thursday, August 18. Pictured with Commissioner Hudson and her husband, Dennis, are Bob Little and Linda Ingram. The Mobile County Commission was a sponsor of the event. Congratulations to VIA for 50 years of outstanding service!

On Thursday, August 25, Commissioner Hudson received a Graduate Certificate from the Alabama Local Government Training Institute at the Association of County Commissions of Alabama’s (ACCA) annual convention in Orange Beach. This certificate represents 70 hours of additional study beyond the State’s requirement that each elected county commissioner complete a 50-hour educational program. Commissioner Hudson is shown pictured with Marcus Campbell, ACCA President 2021-2022.

BooBoo is our Pet of the Week. This sweet boy is a 1-year-old Bulldog mix. BooBoo is neutered, up to date on vaccines, microchipped, and his adoption fee is completely sponsored!

Please stop by the Mobile County Animal Shelter (MCAS) to visit all of our adoptable pets at 7665 Howells Ferry Road. With the exception of holidays, the shelter is open Monday - Friday, 10 am - 4 pm, and Saturday, 10 am - 2 pm.

Follow MCAS on Facebook, Instagram (mcacshelter), or Twitter @mcacshelter) to receive updates about adoptable pets and upcoming events.

Click here to view current adoptable pets!

Click here for more information. 

September 4

The AFL-CIO of Southwest Alabama invites you out to their 75th annual Labor Day Parade. The parade launches and returns to the Mobile Civic Center parking lot and will travel along the streets of Downtown Mobile. 

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA CAMPUS

LAIDLAW PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

5751 USA S Dr., Mobile, AL 36608

Tickets will be sold at the door only. Admission is $8 general and $5 for USA faculty & staff, USA students, youths under 18 and all senior citizens (cash or check only).

For more information, contact:

Bellingrath Gardens and Home

12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road

Theodore, AL 36582

251.973.2217

[email protected]

Opening Reception

September 9 @ 5 pm 

CONDÉ-CHARLOTTE MUSEUM

104 Theatre St. Mobile, AL 36602

"Art on the Inside" is a traveling exhibit of work produced under

The Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project

5th Annual

MOBILE ANIMATION FILM FESTIVAL

September 9, 2022 @ 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Alabama Contemporary Art Center

301 Conti Street

THE WRITERS IN NATURE POETRY GROUP

OF THE MOBILE BOTANICAL GARDENS

is sponsoring a Poetry Contest

in celebration of the Father of Biodiversity,

 Edward Osborne Wilson

·    Theme: NATURE, in any of its manifestations.

·    Length: maximum, 40 lines.

·    Must be an original poem.

·    No previously published or award-winning poem should be submitted.

·    Only one submission per poet.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT ENTRY:      Tuesday, September 6, 2022

All submissions must be sent electronically as a Microsoft Word (doc, docx) or PDF attachment to:

[email protected]

Include your name, telephone number, email address and title of poem on cover sheet. No identifying information on the poem itself.

AWARDS

1^st Place:        $75.00

2^nd Place:        $50.00

3^rd Place:        $25.00

Winners will be notified by Friday, September 23, 2022, and invited to read at the Poetry by Moonlight Reading on the evening of October 6, 2022 at Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 Museum Drive, Mobile, AL 36608.

(Current Members of the WIN Poetry Group are not eligible to submit.)

Direct questions to [email protected]

September 10

The Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

$35 for members and $50 for non-members

The Mobile Chamber along with Forum Alabama invite you to an excellent opportunity to network with our elected officials. Hear about the work they are doing in Alabama and learn how their work can impact our community in the Mobile area. Click here for more information. 

Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022,

6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

FORT WHITING

1630 S. Broad St., Mobile, AL 36605

Join United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile for their most anticipated annual fundraiser! Enjoy cuisine samples from local restaurants, live music by the legendary Excelsior Band, wine and craft beer tastings, a silent auction, a wine pull and much more. Tickets are $50 per person or $80 for a couple. For more information visit their Facebook page by clicking here.

Terrell James:

One Eye Sees, The Other Feels

September 16, 2022 — April 2, 2023

Wanda Sullivan:

Gardens of Hope

September 16, 2022 — April 2, 2023

3 American Artists

May 3, 2022 – May 14, 2023

Click here for more information.

6 - 9 pm

10th Annual Mobile Arts Council Throwdown

Sponsored in Part by Mobile County Commission

Click here for tickets and more information.

8:00 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022

GO Run 5K Race & 1-Mile Fun Run

Benefitting Gynecologic Cancer Research

USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute

University of South Alabama

Beginning at the SGA Pavilion 500 Stadium Drive

Click here to register.  

Participating museums and cultural institutions across the country are providing free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket.

Click here to download your free ticket to The Mobile Museum of Art, The Conde-Charlotte Museum, and/or The USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. 

Ends September 17

Sponsored in part by Mobile County Commission District 2, Illusions is the latest in a series of in-house created exhibits by the Exploreum Science Center. Through hands on activities, informational displays, and demonstrations, this exhibit will unveil the science and mystery behind the world of Illusions.

For more information click here.

Exploreum After Hours 21+ Event: Legally Blonde

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2022 AT 5 PM – 9 PM

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center

Click here for more information and tickets.

This in-person event is open to all.

The cost to attend is $35 per person. Click here to register.

Join the Mobile Symphony Orchestra as they open their 2022-2023 season at the Saenger Theatre at 6 Joachim Street. Ticket prices start at $20, to purchase yours and learn more click here.

FREE Ticket Information

From Dr. Joel Erdmann, Director of Athletics at the

University of South Alabama

In recognition of the people of Mobile County, The University of South Alabama is proud to provide complimentary Jaguar Football tickets to citizens of Mobile County in all 3 Commission districts.

If you have any questions you please call 251-461-1USA (1872) or email [email protected].

Tickets:

·  Follow this link to create an account and secure your tickets. 

·  Use the promotional code “COUNTY2”. Customers are limited to eight tickets.

Parking:

·  Follow this link to a campus parking map.

·  Gold parking is complimentary and is a 10-20 minute walk to Hancock Whitney Stadium (Entry 8 & 9 off University Boulevard).

·  Blue parking can be purchased for $20 and can be purchased here (Entry 6 off University Boulevard).

·  Red Parking is sold out. 

·  There is a paid handicap parking lot with shuttle to all gates at Red Lot 201 (Entry 2 off Stadium Drive and Old Shell Road)

·  Rideshare, Lyft/Uber and Taxi drop off/pick-up at Bebo's Car Wash (6377 Old Shell Road).

Gameday Information:

·  Follow this link for gameday information.

 We look forward to seeing you at Hancock Whitney Stadium.

Go Jags!

Click here for more information. 

Mobile Pops Space Concert

September 29th @ 7 pm 

Mobile County Bicentennial Pavilion At Medal of Honor Park

Click here for more information. 

Semmes Senior Center

9635 Moffett Road

For a calendar of September 2022 activities click here.

SAVE THE DATE

Click here for more information. 

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn 

Instagram 

Text "MOBILEALERT"

to 226787

To receive Text Alerts

Mobile County Commission Meetings on YouTube @ mobilecountyal

National Suicide

Prevention Hotline

Call, Text or Chat:

988

Free Smoke Alarms

cityofmobile.org/fire

251-208-7484

   Plan Ahead for Disasters | Ready.gov

Flag Retirement Box:

205 Government Street

Government Plaza

Click here for more information.

Every 2nd Wednesday

7450 Hitt Road

251-459-8426

MOBILE COUNTY FINANCE UPDATE

Mobile County Commission

General Fund Budget Report Narrative

As of July 31, 2022

Revenue

July 2022 is the 10th month of the fiscal year that began October 1. The County received $141,273,968 in revenue through July 31. Revenue recorded, excluding carryover, represents 92.79% of projections for the fiscal year. Sixty-nine percent of the revenue generated during the quarter was comprised of taxes.

Expenditures

Including transfers, the County expended $129,918,113 in its General Fund during the first ten months of the fiscal year. Expenditures are 70.26% of budget projections. 

Public safety expenditures comprised 50% of total expenditures, while 36% of expenditures went toward general government activities. All other expenditures encompassed the following functional areas:

• Environmental compliance
• Social services
• Education initiatives
• Cultural and recreational activities
• Capital outlay
• Transfers 

Summary

The County's fund balance increased by $9,851,959 through July 31 resulting in an ending fund balance of $98,873,156. Revenue and expenditures are monitored monthly and compared to estimates. In the event a trend emerges in which revenue does not meet expectations, we will implement cost-saving measures to reduce spending.

Click here to view the report in full.

DISTRICT 2 ROAD PROJECTS UPDATE

Current District 2 road projects are moving along toward completion. To view the list of ongoing projects in Mobile County Commission District 2, click here or see below:

To watch the live steam,

CLICK HERE.

Commission Conference

When: Thursday, September 8, 10:00 a.m.

Where: Mobile Government Plaza Assembly Room

Commission Meeting

When: Monday, September 12, 10:00 a.m.

Where: Mobile Government Plaza Auditorium

Commission Conference

When: Thursday, September 22, 10:00 a.m.

Where: Mobile Government Plaza Assembly Room

Commission Meeting

When: Monday, September 26, 10:00 a.m.

Where: Mobile Government Plaza Auditorium

Click here for more information and to view the

agendas for the above meetings as they are posted.

COMMUNITY LINKS