Costco, Sutton Apartments and firefighter honors in Bartlett’s ‘Madison Weekly’
MADISON – In “Madison Weekly” last week, Mayor Ranae Bartlett explained decisions and actions that have had or will influence Madison residents.
At its Jan. 12 meeting, Madison City Council voted 6-1 to annex the Costco property into Madison’s city limits. Before annexation, the acreage belonged to Madison County.
“At its core, this change means local tax dollars generated at Costco now come back into the City of Madison. Those dollars help fund the things residents care about most: road improvements, public safety, education and the services supporting our growing city,” Bartlett said.
The annexation will be official starting Feb. 18. “The temporary 2-percent developer fee expires, and purchases will follow Madison’s standard sales tax structure,” Bartlett said. “That total is 9 percent, which includes 4 percent to the state, 1.5 percent to Madison County and 3.5 percent locally,” Bartlett said.
“Shoppers will pay the same tax rate at Costco as they would at Publix down the road,” Bartlett said. “When businesses and cities share a commitment to doing the right thing, everyone benefits, and that’s a win for Madison. Join me in welcoming Costco to our Madison family.”
Concerning Sutton Apartments residents, the City of Madison mobilized community partners to support residents following a water service disruption caused by unpaid utility charges by the property’s management.
Bartlett, local church leaders and education officials met to outline available assistance. “Through this coordinated effort, multiple organizations stepped in to meet urgent needs,” Bartlett said. “Building Church established a fund to assist residents with securing stable housing. Madison City Schools continues support through its Supporting Our Students or SOS fund.”
In addition, ShowerUp deployed mobile shower units on site with access to hygiene facilities. Refuge Church will distribute food boxes families. Other organizations offering outreach include Legal Services Alabama, Asbury Church, American Red Cross, One Generation Away, Kroger and Publix.
Visit madisonal.gov/m/newsflash/ home/detail/1505 to donate to the relocation of residents at Sutton Apartments.
At its Jan.12 meeting, Madison City Council recognized Madison Fire & Rescue Department personnel, along with emergency medical partners.
Driver Tyler Drew was named 2026 Firefighter of the Year. Battalion Chief Michael Sedlacek and Captain Nathan Hankins earned promotions. Firefighters received Life Saving Awards and HEMSI partners received commendations for teamwork in saving lives. “These recognitions highlight the professionalism, commitment and bravery of those who serve Madison every day,” Bartlett said.
In other work, Bartlett, council members and Information Technology staff visited FBI headquarters at Redstone Arsenal. They learned about critical work in progress locally that affects national and global security.
At Madison Public Library, Bartlett was guest speaker for the “Community Conversation” series with Leadership Greater Huntsville. Bartlett gave an overview of the Simplified Sellers Use Tax or SSUT and its impact on Madison. She also highlighted Madison’s current and future projects focused on infrastructure, public safety and growth.
