Government Overview
The Town of Emelle is an incorporated municipality of the State of Alabama, governed under the Mayor–Council form of government established for Alabama towns by state law.
Form of Government
Emelle was incorporated as a town in 1981. As a municipality with a population of fewer than 12,000 residents, Emelle operates under the Mayor–Council form of government provided for in Title 11 of the Code of Alabama. Under this form, the Mayor serves as the chief executive officer of the town and the Town Council serves as the legislative body. Together, the Mayor and Council are responsible for adopting the town's ordinances, setting its budget, providing municipal services, and representing the interests of Emelle residents before county, state, and federal agencies.
Municipal officers in Alabama are elected on a nonpartisan basis and serve four-year terms. Municipal elections in Alabama are held on the fourth Tuesday in August, with officers taking office on the first Monday in November following the election. All residents who are registered to vote in Sumter County and who reside within the corporate limits of the Town of Emelle are eligible to vote in town elections.
Division of Responsibilities
| Office | Role | Primary Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Mayor | Chief Executive Officer | Enforces ordinances, oversees day-to-day town operations and staff, signs contracts and official documents, presides over Council meetings, and represents the town at official functions. |
| Town Council | Legislative Body | Adopts ordinances and resolutions, approves the annual budget and expenditures, sets fees and rates, and confirms appointments to boards and committees. |
| Town Clerk | Records & Administration | Maintains official minutes and records, publishes legal notices, handles business licenses and public records requests, and administers municipal elections. |
| Chief of Police | Public Safety | Leads the Emelle Police Department, directs patrol and investigations, and works with county and state law enforcement partners. |
Elected & Appointed Officials
Mayor
Roy Willingham Sr.
Email: mayor@emelle.org
Office Hours: By appointment — call ahead
Address: 123 Dailey Ave, Emelle, AL 35459
Read more on the Mayor's Office page.
Chief of Police
Edward Fuller
Email: e.fuller@emelle.org
Address: 123 Dailey Ave, Emelle, AL 35459
Town Council
The Town Council is made up of council members elected by the voters of Emelle. Council members serve four-year terms concurrent with the Mayor. For current council membership and contact information, please contact City Hall at (205) 286-2243 or contact@emelle.org, or see the Town Council page.
Public Meetings
The Emelle Town Council holds its regular meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers at Emelle City Hall, 123 Dailey Ave. When a regular meeting date falls on a holiday, the meeting is rescheduled and notice is posted at City Hall and on this website.
All meetings of the Town Council are open to the public in accordance with the Alabama Open Meetings Act (Code of Alabama § 36-25A-1 et seq.). Special called meetings may be held as needed, with public notice posted in advance as required by law. Approved minutes of each meeting are kept by the Town Clerk and are available for public inspection.
Order of Business
A typical regular meeting of the Town Council follows this order of business:
- Call to Order
- Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
- Roll Call and Establishment of a Quorum
- Approval of the Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from the Previous Meeting
- Financial Report and Approval of Bills
- Public Comments
- Old Business
- New Business, Ordinances, and Resolutions
- Reports from the Mayor, Council Members, and Department Heads
- Adjournment
Addressing the Council
Residents are welcome to speak during the public comment portion of any regular meeting. To be placed on the agenda, contact City Hall before noon on the day of the meeting with your name, address, and the topic you wish to discuss. Speakers are asked to keep remarks to three minutes so that all residents have an opportunity to be heard.
Ordinances, Resolutions & Local Law
The Town Council exercises the legislative powers granted to Alabama municipalities. Ordinances are laws of general and permanent application within the town limits, while resolutions express the will of the Council on a specific matter, such as approving a contract or applying for a grant. Ordinances of a general and permanent nature must be published or posted as required by state law before they take effect.
Copies of adopted ordinances and resolutions may be reviewed at City Hall during regular business hours. See Ordinances & Resolutions for more information.
Budget & Finance
The Town of Emelle operates on a fiscal year that runs from October 1 through September 30. Each year the Mayor and Town Clerk prepare a proposed budget for consideration by the Town Council. The Council reviews anticipated revenues — including state-shared revenues, local taxes, fees, and grants — and adopts a balanced budget for town operations, streets, utilities, and public safety. Monthly financial reports are presented at regular Council meetings, and the town's financial records are open for public inspection.
Learn more on the Budget & Finance page.
Elections
Municipal elections for Mayor and Town Council are conducted by the town under Alabama law. County, state, and federal elections are administered by Sumter County. Voter registration for all elections is handled by the Sumter County Board of Registrars. See Elections & Voting for details.
Intergovernmental Partners
Many services that Emelle residents rely on are provided in partnership with other levels of government. The Town works closely with these agencies on behalf of its residents:
- Sumter County Commission — county roads, county courthouse services, and countywide programs.
- Sumter County Probate Judge — vehicle tags, property deeds, marriage licenses, and administration of county elections.
- Sumter County Revenue Commissioner — property assessment and property tax collection.
- Sumter County Sheriff's Office — countywide law enforcement and the county jail.
- Sumter County Board of Education — public schools serving Emelle students.
- Alabama Department of Environmental Management — environmental permitting and oversight.
- Alabama League of Municipalities — training, legal guidance, and advocacy for Alabama cities and towns.
Boards & Committees
From time to time the Town Council may establish boards and committees to advise on specific matters such as community events, beautification, or long-range planning. Residents interested in serving their community are encouraged to submit a letter of interest to the Town Clerk at City Hall. Appointments are made by the Mayor and Town Council.
Public Records
Under the Alabama Open Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40), every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of the State, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute. Requests to inspect or copy town records may be made in person at City Hall, by mail, or by email to contact@emelle.org. See Records & Permits for the request process.
Contact Town Government
Emelle City Hall
123 Dailey Ave
Emelle, AL 35459
Phone: (205) 286-2243
Email: contact@emelle.org