Huntsville, September 25, 2025
News Summary
The Huntsville City Council is set to vote on a proposed Fiscal 2026 budget totaling $343 million, emphasizing public safety and infrastructure improvements. Key allocations include over $80.5 million for the Police Department and more than $65.5 million for the Fire & Rescue Department. The budget also plans funding for new city government positions, a cost of living increase for city employees, and various infrastructure projects. This significant investment aims to enhance community safety and facilities in Huntsville.
Huntsville City Council to Vote on $343 Million Fiscal 2026 Budget
The proposed Fiscal 2026 budget for the city of Huntsville totals $343 million, with a strong emphasis on public safety and infrastructure. The City Council is scheduled to vote on this budget at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at City Hall.
Public safety is outlined as a top concern. Nearly half of the budget is dedicated to the Huntsville Police Department and the Fire & Rescue Department. The Huntsville Police Department will receive over $80.5 million, which accounts for 26.51% of the total budget, reflecting an increase of more than $10 million from two years ago. The funding for the police includes the addition of 10 new positions: five sworn officers and five civilian roles. The department will also maintain a total of 701 full-time and 169 part-time police positions.
This fiscal year, the police department has seen the inclusion of 18 new positions, which includes 11 part-time school resource officers. The Fire & Rescue Department, on the other hand, will receive more than $65.5 million, representing 21.27% of the overall budget. This department will fund 532 full-time and 7 part-time positions, marking an increase of one position from the previous fiscal year.
A total of 3,338 city government positions will be funded in the proposed budget, up from 3,261 in Fiscal 2025. Significant attention is also directed toward the Parks & Recreation Department, which will see the largest increase in positions with funding allocated for 31 new roles to support new recreation centers.
The budget also includes a 2% cost of living increase for city employees. Allocations under the budget include $42.5 million for projects under the 1990 Capital Plan and $11.3 million for debt service. $18.8 million is earmarked for street resurfacing, indicating a $500,000 increase over the previous fiscal year, while $12.5 million will be directed toward fleet capital.
In terms of infrastructure, approximately $7 million is set aside for street maintenance, drainage, and pedestrian infrastructure projects, which includes sidewalks. Planned projects under these allocations will involve renovations at locations such as the Sandra Moon Complex, Hays Central Park, City Hall demolition, Military Museum expansion, and various improvements to recreation facilities. Furthermore, the scope of the 2014 Capital Plan includes $77.25 million in projects, with an additional $9.5 million for debt service.
Upcoming developments in Huntsville feature phase two of the Northern Bypass along with more road enhancements, including those on Old Big Cove Road and Swancott Road. Furthermore, commercial redevelopment initiatives will take place along Memorial Parkway North, coupled with investments in the Choice Neighborhood Initiative. Several projects funded through the 2014 Capital Plan are also set to receive both federal and state funding.
FAQ
What is the total amount of the proposed Fiscal 2026 budget for Huntsville?
The proposed Fiscal 2026 budget for Huntsville totals $343 million.
What portion of the budget is dedicated to public safety?
Nearly half of the budget is dedicated to public safety, specifically the Huntsville Police Department and Fire & Rescue Department.
When will the Huntsville City Council vote on the budget?
The City Council will vote on the budget at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at City Hall.
How much funding will the Huntsville Police Department receive?
The Huntsville Police Department is allocated over $80.5 million, which is 26.51% of the budget.
How many city government positions will be funded in the proposed budget?
A total of 3,338 city government positions are funded in the budget, up from 3,261 in Fiscal 2025.
What plans are included in the budget for infrastructure?
The budget includes allocations for street resurfacing, maintenance, and various infrastructure improvement projects as part of the Capital Plans.
| Budget Component | Amount ($) | Percentage of Total Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Huntsville Police Department | 80,500,000 | 26.51% |
| Fire & Rescue Department | 65,500,000 | 21.27% |
| Total City Government Positions | 3,338 | N/A |
| Parks & Recreation New Positions | 31 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Increase for Employees | 2% | N/A |
| Street Resurfacing | 18,800,000 | N/A |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Huntsville’s Proposed 2026 Budget
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- Axios: Huntsville’s Budget Highlights
- Google Search: Huntsville Police Department
- WHNT: New Huntsville Police Survey System
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntsville
- KBTX: Funeral for Fallen DPS Trooper
- Google News: Huntsville Public Safety
- WAFF: Huntsville Police Citation Numbers
- WAFF: Huntsville Officer Charged with DUI
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
