Understanding Huntsville's Annual Budget Process
"The Finance Department is responsible for producing, monitoring, and reporting the City's annual operating budget.Fiscal ProcessThe City of Huntsville's fiscal year begins October 1 through September 30. Each spring, the City begins the annual budget process by providing City Staff members with instructions and directions for budget request preparation. In accordance with the goals and priorities that resulted from this strategic planning session, City staff then prepare their departmental budget requests. Each City department prepares a base budget request and a supplemental budget request for each of their divisions.PreparationThe base budget is the portion of the budget that provides for the continuation of operations at the current service level, taking into account the updated costs required to provide these services. The Supplemental Budget is the portion of the budget that includes new programs and personnel, new equipment, and any changes to the present level of service. Each department of the City prepares a budget that seeks to fulfill the City Council's strategic plan and long-term vision for the future of our community through every service they perform, both in daily operations and special projects and programs. Because of Huntsville's limited resources, not every budget request can be funded.ReviewThe City Manager reviews departmental budget requests and weighs them against available funding and other requests. The City Manager then presents a proposed budget to the City Council that includes recommended supplemental requests for new or expanded programs, additional personnel, new equipment, and proposed projects. The Council has the opportunity to revise the budget to conform with its objectives. Public Hearings regarding the budget and tax rate are held in July/August and open to the public.General FundThe City budget contains several different funds, with the largest being the General Fund, which is used for general government services that do not need to be accounted for separately. General government services include police protection, fire protection, park maintenance, and administrative activities. Once adopted, the budget takes effect on the first day of the fiscal year (October 1), and any major change must be approved by the City Council.Copies of the budget are available for review online or in the Finance Department office."
Huntsville Public Library Launches 2026 Summer Reading Program
"Huntsville Public Library Summer Reading presents2026 Summer Reading Unearth A StoryAbout the ProgramJoin us this summer for our 2026 Summer Reading Program. Designed to help children and adults maintain their reading skills during the summer by encouraging a fun summer of reading: the program includes Early Readers (ages 0-7), Kids (ages 8-12), teens (ages 13-17), and adults (18+).Early registration day, May 22! All early registrants will be eligible for a one-time drawing! Important Dates Early Registration Day – May 22 Summer Reading Kickoff – May 30 * 11:00-1:00 * Special gifts for attendees and program registrations (during event only) Summer Reading Program – May 30 to July 25 3 rd Annual Bookmark Design Contest: June 1 – July 2 The last day to log reading online – Saturday, July 25 How to Register :Register online at https://huntsvilletx.readsquared.com/ or click the Summer Reading Banner on the library website www.myhuntsvilleLibrary.com Download the READSquared AppHow to participate – New Registrations Create an account online – Select “Register Now”. Family accounts are encouraged. Parents should register first then add each child. *Please note that if you have more than one child participating in the summer reading program each child will need to be added to their ageappropriate program Select your age from the dropdown menu Click Continue Enter your information, including a username and password – continue to add other participants Log in to track your reading and earn points – multiple children accounts can be selected when adding minutes read Logging Minutes Read – Early Readers, Kids, Teens To log minutes read, click “Log Reading” in the center on the app. Then click “Minutes” in the center of the page. Enter the Book Title, Author (optional) Scroll down to select the reader by clicking and turning them green Then click “Submit” to save your minutes. Students: For every 180 minutes’ read the reader will receive a virtual badge and a notification that a Level prize awaits them at the library. Levels 1 – 5 are prize levels only. Earn 2000 points to complete the reading program. Keep reading and logging to become a member of the 3000 Plus Reader Club. To achieve the title of Top Reader be sure to keep your reading log updated and keep reading. The reader in each age category with the most minutes read will earn the Top Reader Award. Logging ends July 25. Logging Books - Adults To log minutes read, click “Log Reading” in the center on the app. Then click “Book” in the center of the page. Enter the Book Title, Author (optional) Scroll down to select the reader by clicking to turning them green Then click “Submit” to save your minutes. Adults: Every book title logged earns 100 points. For every 200 points the reader receives a virtual badge. Earn 2000 points to complete the reading program. Log weekly for a chance to win a prize by having your name entered into the weekly participant drawing. Keep reading and logging to become a member of the 3000 Plus Reader Club and to achieve the title of Top Reader be sure to keep your reading log updated and keep reading. The adult with the most points will earn the Adult Top Reader Award. Logging ends July 25, 2026. Frequently Asked Questions I can't come to the library very often this summer. Can I still do summer reading?Yes, absolutely. Participants may register online. All reading is tracked online at https://huntsvilletx.readsquared.com/ or download the READSquared AppHow will you know if my child read books appropriate for his or her reading level?We want to celebrate the accomplishments of every reader. We trust the judgement of the parent, caregiver, or guardian to select books appropriate for their child's reading level. Remember, the goal is to maintain children's reading skills during the summer. What counts as reading?Reading any book - comic books, novels, picture books, or being read to--it’s all up to you. Audiobooks Do Not qualify for this year’s program. To qualify for the reading program, all reading must be logged between May 30 and July 25. Reading is Winning! If one member of my family wins a prize, does that make me ineligible to win?No, having a family member win a prize does not make a person ineligible to win. Everyone is reading to earn the top reader award crown for their age group. Is a Huntsville Public Library card required for participation?No, a library card is not required to participate. However, library cards are needed to check items out from the library. Please see a staff member to get your free library card (with qualifying documentation). Registration is required to participate in the online summer reading program. When is the last day to log minutes or books read? July 25, 2026"
Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Scheduled for April 20
"Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting
Monday, April 20, 2026"
Walker County Commissioners to Meet April 24
"County Commissioners Court Regular Meeting
Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Walker County Courthouse"
