City leaders sworn in for a new term

RUSSELLVILLE — City leaders and community members gathered Sunday at city hall for the swearing-in ceremony for the new city council members, whose terms began on Monday.

Returning council members David Palmer of District 1, who was unopposed for re-election, Darren Woodruff of District 2, Gary Cummings of District 3 and Jamie Harris of District 5, along with new District 4 representative Lonnie Freeman, who succeeds Dexter Hamilton, as well as Mayor David Grissom participated.

City Attorney Danny McDowell said the city has made steady progress since 2008, citing infrastructure upgrades, new businesses and financial stability as key areas of growth.

He said the city’s financial condition has improved significantly in recent years.

During the July 2, 2025, city council meeting, auditor Don Wallace presented the fiscal 2024 audit, reporting a “clean opinion” with no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses.

Wallace described the city’s financial health as “very good,” noting Russellville’s reserve funds and consistent bond repayment.

McDowell also offered encouragement to new council member Freeman, saying the council’s record of cooperation had set a strong example for continued service.

He then introduced Pastor Sammy Taylor of Mountain View Baptist Church in Phil Campbell, who spoke about integrity and accountability in public service.

Taylor reflected on his father, the late Billy Taylor, who once prayed over a newly elected judge in Franklin County. He said he was honored to do the same for the city’s leaders more than 40 years later.

He urged the mayor and council to lead with humility, serve all residents equally, face challenges with courage and hold themselves accountable.

“Your authority comes from the people,” Taylor said. “The trust the community places in you is not a reward — it’s a responsibility.”

He reminded city officials that public office carries an obligation to transparency and ethical decision-making.

“Conduct the affairs of the city with honesty, openness and fairness,” Taylor said. “When you act, ask what is right, not what is easy or politically expedient.”

He closed with a prayer asking for wisdom, compassion, and unity in the city’s leadership.

Retired Franklin County District Judge Paula McDowell administered the oaths of office for the mayor and councilmembers.

Family members stood with each as they pledged to uphold the constitutions of the United States and Alabama and to serve the city faithfully. McDowell remarked afterward that seeing the families’ pride “was a moment to be proud of.”

Grissom thanked those present for their support and expressed appreciation to Judge McDowell, who has administered the oaths since 2012. He also shared personal memories of growing up in Russellville, attending Rockwood Baptist Church and working at his father’s car wash.

Grissom said becoming mayor hadn’t been part of his original plans, but added that he believes God places people in certain roles at the right time to serve others.

Grissom credited teamwork for the city’s progress and highlighted job growth, industrial expansion and infrastructure upgrades as key achievements.

He said the city has added about 1,400 jobs in recent years, attracted major investments and completed significant equipment and infrastructure upgrades.

He also cited grant funding and plans for a new library.

Grissom said the city has continued to invest in employees through pay raises and new equipment for every department while maintaining support for Russellville City Schools.

He said city officials plan to continue pursuing new job opportunities and downtown revitalization efforts.

“Downtown is the heartbeat of every community,” Grissom said.

He noted the city’s 2019 recognition on the National Register of Historic Places and its 2023 Main Street Alabama designation.

He closed by thanking his family and church community and giving credit to God “for the opportunity to serve the people of the City of Russellville.”

The ceremony concluded with a prayer led by Bobby Brown, chaplain for the Russellville Police Department.