Orange Beach Council Eyes Old Finance Building Renovation And New Civic Center Study
John Mullen • March 17, 2026
City officials will consider more than two dozen action items, including a $1.5 million goods-and-services approval and a donation to a local animal coalition.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – With the new Finance Department up and running in its new wing at city hall, Orange Beach will now look at ways to utilize the old building. The former finance building is just north of the main city hall campus at the northwest intersection of Orange Beach Boulevard and West Oak Ridge Drive.
The council will meet in a joint regular/committee of the whole/work session on March 17 at 5 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall.
A proposal to hire McCollough Architecture for engineering services for the renovation of the old finance building is under consideration for $68,800.
During the regular session, the council will also discuss:
- Approving $1.5 million for goods and services from March 5-18.
- Approving a special events liquor license for Art for Heart 2026 on April 18 at the Orange Beach Event Center.
- A liquor license for the Orange Beach C Store at 26787 Canal Road.
- Reappointing former councilmember Joni Blalock to the Library Board. Her term ended on Feb. 1.
- Buying a lifeguard tower for surf and rescue from Bausch Enterprises for $82,835.
- A contract for a facial recognition software agreement for the police department for four years, starting at $7,500 in 2026 and doubling to $15,000 by the fourth year, 2029.
- Authorizing a contract with GeoCon for geotechnical exploration and a soil study for a new civic center for $8,565. The council will also discuss hiring Wetland Sciences to conduct a wetlands assessment of the proposed site.
- Waiving the rental fees for the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center for the Baldwin Pops John Allen Memorial Scholarship Concert on March 18.
- A contract with Natalie van Blerk for tennis professional services.
- Authorizing a contract with Coastal Wave Diagnostics for cardiovascular screenings for city employees for $100 per screening.
- An agreement with Baldwin County for the maintenance of Navy Road on the north side of Wolf Bay. The county contract provides routine road blading for 24 months and is up for renewal.
- A license agreement with The Nature Conservancy for the restoration of Waterfront Park to allow work on the shoreline and park.
- Authorizing agreements for easements to Baldwin Electric Membership for underground electrical lines.
- An agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for the cooperative maintenance of the median on State Route 182, or Beach Road.
- Buying two Toyota Tacoma pickups for Community Development for $88,000.
- Awarding the annual magnesium hydroxide slurry to treat wastewater to Zee Co. for unit prices for three years.
- Awarding the bid for on-call electric service to A&B Electric of Mobile and the bid for carpentry, drywall, and painting to Color Coatings, both for three years on unit pricing contracts.
During the committee of the whole, the council will discuss:
- Changes in the golf cart ordinance to address changes in administration and enforcement, according to the ordinance.
- Approval of the fiscal year 2024 audited budget.
- Establishing a fee schedule for police officers “hired by private entities for security-related functions utilizing departmental resources” playing $55 an hour for a police officer, $65 an hour for first line supervisor, and $75 an hour for an incident commander, according to a memo from Police Chief Trent Johnson.
- Making a $10,000 donation to Safe Harbor Animal Coalition in 2026.
- Buying three LUCAS chest compression devices for the fire department for $59,819.
- A software agreement with NEOGOV for new employee background checks for the police department.
- A contract with local group Saucy Fuzz for entertainment at the 2026 Orange Beach Nest Fest at the arts center on May 31.
- Awarding the bid for a burn tower and installation at the new fire training facility, a bid for site work at the rifle range, and a bid for the resurfacing of the tennis courts. Bids are scheduled to be opened on April 2.
- Accepting a proposal from Byers, Byers & Associates for auditing services in fiscal year 2025 for $79,850.
- An agreement with the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program for implementing a water quality monitoring project for $31,015 in reimbursable costs.
- A resolution to purchase two ambulance cots for the fire department for $27,278.
- Authorizing the mayor to negotiate terms for the sale of the Orange Beach Event Center. The council will also consider declaring the center as surplus.
- Authorizing the mayor to negotiate the purchase of real property contiguous to city-owned property on Russian Road.
- Rezoning 24 acres containing Beech’s Camper and Mobile Home Park as a planned unit development with a phase one development on 13 acres for a 59,000 square foot dinner theater. This item will come before the Orange Beach Planning Commission on April 13, according to the agenda.
- Setting a public hearing for a conditional use permit for Bayside Orange Beach Garages at 24701 Pelican Place. This item will also come before the planning commission on April 13.
During the work session, the council will discuss:
- A financial update, a capital projects update, appointing a school board member, buying property, the golf cart ordinance, a legal update, and reviewing additional items for future meetings.
Share this article w/ Friends...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach is closing out Parks and Recreation Month with three community events, all wrapping up on Friday. The city's 3rd Annual Summer Sendoff is a free family event billed as one last summer party before children return to school. Activities will include the Bubble Truck, Jens Bay Bal
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Shores Fire/Rescue Association is preparing for its sixth annual golf tournament, scheduled for Craft Farms Golf Club in Gulf Shores. The event brings together community golfers for a day of competition and camaraderie. Players will play a full 18-hole round on the well-known Gulf
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Young anglers along the Alabama Gulf Coast will have the chance to showcase their fishing skills this fall at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The Kids Win Fishing Tournament, presented by Rouses Markets, is open to children ages 3 to 10. The event will be held at Main Street and Marlin Circle a
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Gulf Shores is once again rolling out the campfires and s'mores for one of its longest-running summer traditions. S'mores on the Shore is returning to Gulf Place, drawing families, residents, and out-of-town visitors to the Alabama Gulf Coast for a free evening of food, music, a
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Expect Excellence Music Department is bringing its classic rock tribute show, "Dream On Vol. 4," to the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center in late August. The production features musicians and singers from across the Gulf Coast. The show pays tribute to some of the most recognizable r
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is moving forward with plans to make crossing U.S. 98 safer for students and other pedestrians. The Foley City Council approved funding for pedestrian improvements at five locations along the busy highway. The project targets intersections at Cedar Street, Oak Street, Pine Street, Chicago S
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley has opened a new campus for city departments serving its growing population. The 14-acre Foley Public Works Campus consolidates several operations in one location. The five-building facility houses the city’s Public Works, Engineering, Sanitation and Street departments. City officials, empl
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Coast Chamber's Island Spirit Award committee, presented by Bluewater Exteriors, announced that Rocio Miranda-Garcia of De Soto's Seafood Kitchen is the June 2026 winner. Miranda-Garcia was honored for her outstanding service and dedication to her customers and community. The award
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County has opened a free cooling center in Foley in response to dangerous heat affecting the area. The center is at St. Paul's Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 506 N. Pine St., Foley. It will be open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pets are welcome, provided they remain under their
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Whether you’re a local hunting for something fresh or a visitor eager to make the most of your beach holiday, you’ve come to the right place. This week’s lineup is full of adventures that make the Alabama Gulf Coast unforgettable–hands-on animal encounters, free family fun under the stars,
