Orange Beach Maintains Strong Financial Stability Amid Infrastructure and Technology Improvements

Financial Stability

The city has maintained a strong financial position with $40 million in operating funds, $47 million in reserves, and $30 million in bond proceeds. Additionally, Orange Beach has seen its assessed property value rise to $1.49 billion. City employees are divided among various departments, with the largest percentages in Police (16%), Public Works (13%), Fire (13%), and part-time & temporary positions (34%).

Infrastructure and Technology Improvements

Significant progress has been made on Canal Road East, improving the city's infrastructure to facilitate smoother traffic flow. Concurrently, the city is nearing the completion of its Fiber to the Home initiative, which will bring fiber internet to every residential lot line. In addition, the city's small cell ordinance has been revised to facilitate the installation of new monopolies for improved 5G cellular service citywide.

Healthcare and Public Safety

The city is committed to improving healthcare and public safety. In 2022, there were 3,577 calls for service, demonstrating the critical role of public safety services. Investments have been made in ambulances, engines, ladders, vessels, fire stations, patrol vehicles, and utility terrain vehicles. There has also been a focus on proactive messaging, with efforts to keep the city family-friendly reflected in the arrest rates during Spring Break.

Quality of Life

In terms of quality of life, the city has prioritized accessibility and recreational activities. An ADA Accessibility Mat has been installed at Cotton Bayou Beach, and the city's recreational trail was voted the #1 Best Recreational Trail in the Nation. The city has also focused on improving the beachfront, with the opening of an 800' beachfront parcel in a public-private partnership and the rebuilding of the 20+ year old wooden fishing pier at the Orange Beach Waterfront Park.

Education and Community Service

In the education sector, Orange Beach City Schools was officially established in July 2022. The school system has already won the Alabama Attorney General Safe School Award of Excellence several times. Mako Softball Stadium was completed in December 2022, featuring the first synthetic turf field in Orange Beach.

Environmental Efforts and Coastal Branding

Orange Beach has received a NOAA Grant Award of $12.8M for the Perdido Watershed Initiative, with $8M allocated for projects in Orange Beach. The city is also focusing on creating a unique coastal brand, with the development of various city properties reflecting this effort.

Looking to the Future

Moving forward, the city has plans for a Veteran's Memorial and is constantly working on improving its online presence with a new website and newsletter. Residents can sign up for text alerts to receive important updates from the city.

"Life is better here," as the city hall reminds its residents. Orange Beach, Alabama continues its commitment to fostering a community that is financially stable, safe, and enriches the quality of life for its residents.