The city of Cullman agreed to lend the Cullman County Library financial support in its plan to overhaul the systems main branch located in downtown Cullman during its meeting held Monday, Jan. 13.

The library board first announced its multi-stage renovation plans in June 2024, which director Amber Thornton said were likely to include an expanded interior footprint as well as additional parking space for patrons.

The city of Cullman approved to provide a $350,000 match if the library is able to obtain a federal grant to fund the project. The Cullman County Commission approved a similar measure last month.

Thornton said congressional disagreements on budgetary measures had caused a slight delay in the application process but she expected to have paperwork submitted when the upcoming grant cycle opens in March.

Mayor Woody Jacobs commended Thornton on the amount of progress she has made toward the project’s development since being named director last March.

“She has very methodically gone through the steps to make things like this happen in a positive way,” Jacobs said. “I think she’s going to pull this off, I really do.”

Thornton said she and other library board members were currently working to gather letters of support for the renovation to submit alongside the grant application.

Cullman City Police Chief Joey Duncan was also joined by Major John Mahler during the meeting to recognize several officers within the department who had recently received promotions. Officers identified by their new ranks were:

Lieutenant Trey Higginbotham.

Sergeant Jonathan England.

Sergeant Zane Pounders.

Sergeant Rob Long.

In other business the council:

Approved an agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation to maintain a sidewalk along AL-Hwy. 157.

Awarded a bid for full reclamation on Graham Street to Chilton Contractors in the amount of $218,195.

Awarded a bid for the demolition of an abandoned structure on Bower Drive SE to Michael’s Tree Service in the amount of $18,750.

Awarded a bid for water materials for 4th Ave. SW to Ferguson Waterworks in the amount of $149,233.

Held the first reading of an ordinance to annex the Darryl Howard Property located on Sharpton Road as R-4.

Held the first reading of an ordinance to annex the N31, LLC property located on U.S. Hwy 31 as R-4.

Patrick Camp can be reached at 256-734-2131 ext. 238.