Homewood Residents Approve Change to City Government Structure
Homewood, Alabama has taken a significant step in redefining its local government, as residents voted on Tuesday to switch from a mayor/council form of governance to a city manager/council structure. The decision, which was approved by a narrow margin, signals a shift in how the city intends to manage administration and public services.
Details of the New Structure
With the new city manager/council format, the Homewood City Council will undergo some notable changes. The previous structure allowed for a council president and ten council members elected from five wards. Under the new system, there will be four council members elected from four districts, while the mayor will also take on the responsibility of serving as the council president. Importantly, a city manager will be appointed to fulfill the role of the city’s administrative executive.
Immediate Steps Following the Vote
Current council president, Alex Wyatt, has indicated that city officials are moving quickly to ensure a smooth transition. Plans are in place to appoint an interim city manager who will hold the position until a new mayor and City Council members can be elected next year and subsequently select a permanent city manager. This interim role is crucial as it will help set the foundations for the new governance structure.
Former Mayor Expresses Interest in Interim Position
Tony Petelos, a well-known figure in local governance and former Jefferson County Manager, has expressed interest in stepping into the interim city manager role for Homewood. In a conversation, Petelos stated that while he is not interested in the permanent position, he would consider returning from his retirement to assist in laying the groundwork for the future executive selection.
“I’m a lifetime resident of Jefferson County and was able to set up a new form of government for Jefferson County, and I would be able to do it for the city of Homewood,” Petelos told us. His insight into local governance and extensive experience in various political positions makes him a notable candidate for this transitional role.
A Brief Background on Petelos
Petelos brings a wealth of experience, having served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 1986 to 1997, representing parts of western Jefferson County. His career continued with a position as commissioner of the Alabama Department of Human Resources until 2004, followed by his election as mayor of Hoover. In 2011, he became Jefferson County’s first county manager, retiring from that role in the summer of 2021.
Looking Ahead
As the city of Homewood looks toward implementing its new government structure, residents and officials alike are hopeful that this change will enhance local governance and service delivery. The selection of an interim city manager is the immediate next step, as the council seeks to establish stability and continuity during this transitional period.
Petelos has yet to confirm any formal discussions with Homewood’s City Council regarding the interim position, but he is open to engaging them to understand the city’s needs better. This means active dialogues between potential candidates and city leaders are likely in the coming days as Homewood moves forward with its new governance approach.
The community will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on these developments, hoping that the changes will yield positive outcomes for Homewood and its residents.
