Orange Beach Sets Agenda for First Meeting of the New Year
John Mullen • January 6, 2026
Public Works and Fire Department Seek Fleet Upgrades
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach will begin the new year by purchasing several new vehicles and a leaf vacuum for city services. Public Works will receive the majority of the trucks, totaling $476,808. But the fire department is spending more to add two firetrucks at a total cost of more than $2 million.
The Orange Beach City Council will meet on Jan. 6 at 5 p.m. in a joint regular/work session in council chambers at City Hall. Buying the new vehicles is on the agenda for the work session and likely won’t be voted on until the next council meeting on Jan. 20.
Public Works is looking to add a Kawasaki tractor for $39,794, a Kubota track loader for $109,031, two Kubota utility vehicles for $43,744, a Kenworth dump truck for $205,000, and a leaf vacuum for $79,239, in addition to the two pumper firetrucks.
Coastal Resources is looking to buy a Ford F-350 super crew four-wheel drive truck for $68,532 and a Chevy Silverado crew cab four-wheel drive pickup.
During the regular session, the council will also discuss:
- Approving payments for goods and services of $251,112 from Dec. 18-Jan. 7.
- Declaring January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Orange Beach. It has been recognized statewide since 2011.
- Authorizing a $3,000 payment to the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber for its annual recycling and paper shred event on Jan. 10 at Gulf State Park from 8 a.m. to noon.
- Authorizing a third amendment to the grant award with the National Audubon Society to pay the salary of the city’s nesting coordinator through April 1.
- Appointing Michael Osborn and Abbygayle Stacey to the Employees’ Leave Bank Committee, replacing Brianne Dichiara and Kristin Wong, whose terms end on Dec. 31. Osborn and Stacy’s terms will start Jan. 1 and run through Dec. 31, 2027.
- Declaring city-owned property as surplus and authorizing its sale at auction. See related story: Orange Beach to Auction Off 20+ City Vehicles
- Amending the employee pay plan/job listing to accommodate the approved 2026 budget.
- Adopt an updated fee schedule for processing and providing public records.
- Amending the ordinance on “wetland preservation and mitigation.”
During the work session, the council will also discuss:
- Appointing a member to the Orange Beach Board of Education. Those applying include Timothy Bowling, Taylor Brown, Leanne Collins, Tina D’Aversa, Sue Dale, Neeli Faulkner, Kendall Hoffman, Stephen Lewis, Ryan Long, Annette Mitchell, Carrie Morris, Angela Mott, Jason Neel, Drew Parker, Clay Tindal, Ashley Wade, and Mallory Wilkins.
- Authorizing a contract with Wetland Sciences to develop the city’s portion of the mouse habitat conservation plan for $53,100.
- Amending a grant award from the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council to complete the expansion of the Orange Beach Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education program.
- Appointing a committee for AMERICA250AL to help the city and state celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
- Authorize a contract with Sawgrass Consulting for civil engineering and land surveying services. The council will then discuss a contract with Sawgrass to do a property survey on the site for the proposed civic center. It will be located on city property in the south side of Canal Road near the roundabout.
- A contract with GeoCon Engineering & Materials Testing to provide geotechnical testing and engineering services for the new pickleball courts for $9,000.
Share this article w/ Friends...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — October has officially arrived on the Alabama Gulf Coast, bringing cooler mornings and breezy evenings, with just enough falling leaves to remind us other seasons exist somewhere. Yet around here, the beach still calls, the dolphins keep showing off, and the calendar is packed with plenty
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — As Gulf Shores continues to expand rapidly, municipal leaders are evaluating the city's operational structure to ensure leadership remains aligned with long-term goals. The council will consider several major administrative, infrastructure, and public safety initiatives to improve efficiency
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley municipal leaders are considering establishing a formal fee-reduction program to support local nonprofit organizations that deliver documented public benefits. The proposed initiative would allow qualifying charitable groups to apply for reduced municipal permit fees when their work directl
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Orange Beach Community Association is hosting its monthly potluck dinner at the Orange Beach Community Center. The event is open to everyone who would like to attend. Roast beef will be served as the main entrée. A guest speaker has also been planned as part of the night's program.
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores is preparing for one of its biggest events of the year. The 54th Annual National Shrimp Festival is expected to draw large crowds. Road closures and traffic changes will take effect days before the festival begins. Drivers near the beachfront should plan their routes in advance.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Southern Palms Furniture & Decor in Orange Beach, Alabama, is encouraging coastal property owners to refresh their beach homes and vacation rentals this fall. The studio specializes in transforming condos, beach houses, and rental properties into polished, functional spaces. Owner and lead
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Registration is now open for the 2026 MAAAC Fall Fishing Rodeo, a multi-species competitive fishing tournament benefiting Orange Beach City Schools. The event welcomes anglers of all ages to compete in several divisions. Competitors can earn awards and prizes, including the title of Master
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is implementing new rules to give residents more say over who may knock on their doors for commercial purposes. The Foley City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance governing commercial door-to-door solicitation. The new regulations include permit requirements, background check
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County property owners should watch their mailboxes. The Baldwin County Revenue Commission has mailed 2026 property tax notices to property owners across the county. The notices mark the start of the annual tax payment season for residents and businesses throughout the area.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — October is a big month along coastal Alabama, not just because the weather finally starts to cool off. The Gulf provides some of the most productive fishing waters in the country, and the communities of Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Foley have built much of their identity around what come
