Concerns Over Clay, Alabama’s City Governance Model

For over ten years, Clay, Alabama, has been using a governance system referred to by local officials as the “mayor and mayor” model. However, recent legal issues raise questions about whether this approach complies with state law, particularly regarding the establishment of a powerful city manager position without public approval.

In 2012, Clay’s city council voted to combine the city clerk and accounting roles into what they termed the “mayor” position. Ronnie Dixon, who took on this role, then shifted many operational responsibilities to unelected officials.

An analysis suggests that this change might be illegal unless the city formally alters its government structure via a public referendum.

Dixon is currently acknowledged as Clay’s “mayor” on the city’s official site.

Legal experts contend that, according to Alabama’s laws, municipalities like Clay must operate under a mayoral form of government. They argue that simply appointing a city manager and delegating the elected mayor’s powers without voter consent is not permissible.

“This matter is being addressed by the Alabama Supreme Court,” a recent report stated, highlighting a ruling from December 2024 that dealt with similar governance issues in Tarrant. The court concluded that a city council isn’t allowed to strip an elected mayor of nearly all their rights and powers solely through an ordinance.

To legitimately adopt a council-manager style of governance, Alabama law mandates public votes on the matter.

Clay has not conducted any such votes and remains under the mayoral governance model.

During a recent candidates’ forum, Mayor Charles Webster made repeated references to Dixon while discussing city operations, mentioning him 21 times.

In a closing question about the current governance arrangement, Webster defended it, asserting that the extensive duties assigned to Dixon were necessary. He metaphorically suggested that everything Dixon does is branded with his name, emphasizing the depth of his responsibilities.

Dixon, who was initially hired in 2012 as a city clerk, mentioned that Webster had previously contemplated revising the city’s governmental structure but no formal changes had taken place.

He stated that while there were discussions about altering the government’s framework, it never advanced to implementation.

As it stands, Dixon functions as the city’s highest executive, managing departments, negotiating contracts, and overseeing situations like the funding discussions concerning the Clay Public Library Committee.

With local elections on the horizon next month, it’s uncertain what issues may arise during the 2025 election cycle. However, it appears that the existing governance arrangement could face scrutiny from the public or judicial authorities.