Mayor Ranae Bartlett discusses sales tax, academy and activities
Madison Mayor Ranae Bartlett. Photo by Joshua Berry
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, Z - News Main
 By Gregg Parker  
Published 6:05 am Wednesday, February 4, 2026
MADISON WEEKLY

Mayor Ranae Bartlett discusses sales tax, academy and activities

MADISON – In “Madison Weekly” for the week of Jan. 25, Mayor Ranae Bartlett endorsed Madison City Council’s vote to approve continuation of a half-cent sales tax, which supports Madison City Schools.

“…,It was important for us to pause, take a hard look at our region’s growth, and ask the right questions about what our schools need moving forward. The answer was clear: continuing this funding helps ensure our schools have the resources they need to serve our students well as Madison continues to grow,” Bartlett said.

Madison Civic Awareness Academy will open for its spring session with orientation on March 11. The city is now accepting applications for participants.

The academy offers an interactive program that “gives residents a behindthe- scenes look at how city government works. Participants hear directly from city leaders and department heads, explore how decisions take shape, and gain a deeper understanding of the services that keep Madison moving every day,” Bartlett said.

To apply, visit madisonal. gov/1245/Civic-Awareness- Academy, and click “Apply Online” in the list to the left. An application form is displayed.

For a guided tour of the facility, Bartlett and council members visited Blue Origin, a manufacturer of rocket engines with offices in Cummings Research Park. The company is expected to add a substantial number of jobs.

“The visit provided a firsthand look at Blue Origin’s operations, innovation and continued investment in our community,” Bartlett said. “These opportunities for our administration strengthens partnerships that support economic growth and job creation in Madison.” The Golden Apple Gala, a recurring event by The Schools Foundation, offers a chance to concentrate . . . and respect the caliber of teachers across Madison County – for Huntsville City Schools, Madison City Schools and Madison County School System.

“This evening of appreciation brought together educators, elected officials and industry partners to recognize the vital role quality schools play in our region’s success,” Bartlett said.

The new Public Safety Annex at 230 Business Park Blvd. will have a ribbon cutting on Feb. 5 at 10 a.m. The facility houses part of Madison Police Department and serves as operational home of Fire Station 4, Bartlett said.

Also on The Madison Record
City extends sales tax funding for Madison schools
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Maria Rakoczy 
February 4, 2026
MADISON - The Madison City Council approved an ordinance at the Jan. 29 city council continuing funding for the Madison City School District from a po...
Former Sparkman football player living his dream in Super Bowl LX
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Super Bowl LX
Bob Labbe 
February 4, 2026
HARVEST - All eyes of the sports world will be on Sunday’s Super Bowl which will feature former Sparkman High and Troy University star player Dell Pet...
Woman found dead after early Friday morning fire in Madison
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Apartment fire marks the 5th structure fire for Madison Fire and Rescue in 15 days
Staff Reports 
February 4, 2026
MADISON - A woman was found dead after an early morning house fire in Madison on Friday. Madison Fire & Rescue said crews responded to the fire on Cre...
Firefighters Harper, Martin awarded for lifesaving assistance
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
February 4, 2026
MADISON – Jacob ‘Jake’ Harper and Jonathan Martin have been recognized for their bravery in service with Madison Fire and Rescue Department. Firefight...
Madison Fire and Rescue names Tyler Drew as ‘2026 Firefighter of the Year’
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Staff Reports 
January 28, 2026
MADISON – Tyler Drew never really had to choose a career path. He was destined to work in fire service. Drew has earned the honor of “2026 Firefighter...
Bus driver Tommy Jacques commended for emergency actions to help sick child
Madison County Record, News, Schools, ...
Gregg Parker 
January 28, 2026
MADISON – Sometimes, you can find a hero close to home. Even as close as the bus stop for Madison City Schools. Tommy Jacques demonstrated heroic acti...
Wedding bells to ring for Gordon Raney and Mary Starling at Madison Senior Center
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
January 28, 2026
MADISON – It wasn’t quite ‘love at first sight,’ but Gordon Raney and Mary Starling, members of Madison Senior Center, nurtured a bond between themsel...
Lace those running shoes for Heart & Soul 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
January 28, 2026
MADISON – Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14 invokes images of candy kisses, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and greeting cards. In another heart-related eve...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *