Homewood City Council Approves Budget and New Finance Director
On Monday night, the Homewood City Council gathered to discuss and ultimately approve significant developments affecting the city’s financial future. A key highlight of the meeting was the authorization for Mayor Scott McBrayer to sign Lester Smith as the new finance director, following the recent retirement of Robert Burgett.
Lester Smith Takes the Helm
Lester Smith comes to Homewood with a robust background, having worked for both the city of Birmingham and the Southern Research Institute. His selection as finance director comes at a pivotal time for Homewood, particularly in light of the challenges faced by the city, including a recent financial scandal. Burgett had been convicted of misappropriating approximately $950,000 of city funds, which emphasized the need for a candidate with a strong reputation for integrity and efficiency.
“That’s one of the reasons Lester was seen as such a good candidate through the interview process,” stated Council President Alex Wyatt. “He comes very highly recommended from his previous jobs as well as by outside groups who have worked with him. He is someone who has either done a good job of building or improving financial departments, both in the public and private sector. That’s what we need.”
Goals for the New Finance Director
Wyatt voiced the necessity for Smith to establish new policies and safeguards to prevent future corruption, emphasizing that the new finance director will play a crucial role in rebuilding the finance department. “Smith will be tasked with creating efficiencies within the department that will allow it to operate more effectively,” said Wyatt.
As Smith steps into this vital role, he will collaborate closely with the incoming city manager, whose hiring remains a priority for the council. Wyatt noted the importance of the finance department’s involvement across all city operations, and acknowledged that discussions about the potential for Smith to become an assistant city manager may arise once the new city manager is in place.
Fiscal 2025 Budget Approved
Alongside the appointment of Smith, council members passed the fiscal 2025 budget, which totals $107.6 million, reflecting an increase from the $98 million budget for fiscal 2024. Walter Jones, the chair of the council’s Finance Committee, praised the budget as a significant investment in the community.
“This increase shows that the city is investing more in capital projects and more in its 537 employees,” Jones remarked. Notably, the budget includes a 4% cost-of-living raise for employees, amounting to $943,000, and $587,000 allocated for merit increases.
Expanding Services
Jones highlighted that the city is working to expand its services, including an addition of Amwaste to the budget, which had not previously been included. Additionally, the city is shouldering a 4.75% increase in employee health insurance costs, totaling $237,000. “We’re trying to be as efficient as we can, but it does reflect additional city services for Homewood,” Jones said.
Lifting up a large three-ring binder, Jones added that he had been “living and breathing this thing the whole month.” The budget encompasses various capital projects, including the Interstate 65 diamond interchange, a new greenway trailhead, Central Avenue sidewalks, an addition to Fire Station No. 3, investment in pocket park equipment, and new police vehicles.
Looking Ahead
Overall, Monday’s meeting marked an important step forward for Homewood as city leaders work to restore confidence in the finance department and effectively manage the city’s resources. As the council now prepares to tackle the task of hiring a new city manager, the community is looking forward to the benefits that compassionate and effective governance can bring.
