STAFF REPORTS
Fairhope Councilman Jack Burrell has earned the professional designation of Certified Municipal Official (CMO) after completing 40 credit hours of training conducted or endorsed by the Alabama League of Municipalities. Burrell is a member of the 20th graduating class of Certified Municipal Officials and was recognized for his accomplishments during graduation ceremonies held in Montgomery Dec. 9. The next level of certification is Advanced Certified Municipal Official (ACMO) and will be awarded after additional training is completed.
The training program for elected municipal officials was created in 1994 by the Alabama League of Municipalities, under the direction of its executive committee, to complete the cycle of training for the municipal officials and employees. Until that time, no formal training had been offered for elected officials. The executive committee instituted a series of one-day continuing education programs designed for mayors and council members who voluntarily wish to receive formal training in municipal government.
Because of his attendance at statewide and regional education conferences, Burrell has received formal classroom training in subjects such as council meeting procedures, parliamentary procedure, the Open Meetings Act, public records, ordinance drafting, conflicts of interest, the State Ethics Law, duties of the mayor and council, tort liability, the competitive bid law, zoning and planning annexation , municipal regulatory powers, municipal events and expenditures, personnel actions and leadership development.
“All CMO graduates spend many hours over several years attending day-long workshops and lectures on the finer points of municipal government,” said Ken Smith, Executive Director of the League of Municipalities. “Earning the CMO designation is a significant achievement, and I commend our graduates for their dedication and motivation to become better informed, more effective municipal officials.”
The Alabama League of Municipalities was organized in 1935 and has since served as the recognized voice of the cities and towns in Alabama. Through the years, the organization has steadily grown and now serves more than 400 municipalities. This voluntary membership program brings officials of cities and towns together in fellowship of public service– which strengthens and guides local government in a progressive, responsible fashion. The primary purpose of the League is to promote understanding of municipal government and administration in Alabama and thereby advance the welfare of the people of this state.
