Frequently Asked Questions

Candidates must be registered to vote, must have been full-time residents of the city for at least one year prior to qualifying and must not hold any other elective office.

Traffic tickets are paid at Municipal Court. Learn how to pay your traffic ticket at https://www.tuscaloosa.com/court/pay-citations-and-fines/traffic-citations-info.

Many City of Tuscaloosa records are available online. If the record you need is not available online or you simply can't find it, file a Public Records Request.

For an explanation of common reasons claims are denied and what some of your options are if that happens, view the Denial of Claims PDF.

Complete the Claims Form on the Claims Form page.

The City of Tuscaloosa and the Office of the City Attorney are prohibited by law from representing you or your interests. We also cannot recommend attorneys to you. If you need an attorney you may find these resources useful:

Alabama State Bar Lawyers Referral Service. Call 800-392-5660 or visit alabar.org/for-the-public/need-legal-help/ and look for the Lawyers Referral Service link. This service by the state bar association will give you the name and contact information of attorneys in your area that handle the kind of legal problem you have.

Legal Services Alabama is a statewide nonprofit organization providing free civil legal assistance to low-income and elderly Alabamians. Call 205-758-7503 or visit legalservicesalabama.org.

The University of Alabama School of Law Clinical Program has several specialized clinical programs that may or may not be able to assist you. Call 205-348-4960 if you think you might qualify.

Most attorneys advertise in the telephone book yellow pages. Look under “Attorneys.”

We have an EMS Prevention pantry that we work to keep stocked with lightly used clothing, household items, non-perishable foods, etc. All donations are given free of charge to fire victims and EMS Prevention clients in need. Please contact 205-248-5438 or 205-248-5436 if you are interested in donating to our pantry.

All follow-up services with the EMS Prevention program are free of charge. We do not bill you or your insurance.

Our fire department is available 24 hours a day. They submit referrals directly to the EMS Prevention program 24 hours a day. Follow-up services with the EMS Prevention team are available Monday through Friday 7:30 am - 4:00 pm.

Follow-up services consist of home visits made by a member of the EMS Prevention team weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. The initial visit consists of completing a biopsychosocial assessment, creating a treatment plan, and meeting that person's goals through follow-up visits.

The environmental services division uses two landfills to dispose of waste created by residential and non-residential customers. 

The Black Warrior Solid Waste Facility accepts garbage and Eagle Bluff Landfill accepts trash items

Learn more about the difference between garbage and trash here

Touring the recycling plant is a great way for citizens, business, and students to see the City’s recycling process up close. Tours are free and available year-round, but must be scheduled in advance.

Click here to fill out the request form.

Businesses, churches, and non-profit agencies with an active City of Tuscaloosa water account may request the City’s non-residential garbage and recycling collection service, if they qualify.

Trash collection is not available to non-residential customers.

Call Tuscaloosa 311 to inquire about non-residential garbage collection services, and see current fees here

Click here to view the map for weekly garbage, trash, and recycling collection.

Recycling bins are issued to citizens who receive the City’s residential garbage collection service, and customers may request additional bins at no charge. Call Tuscaloosa 311 to submit this request.

View the list of acceptable and unacceptable items here 

If you do not receive the City’s curbside collection service (live in an apartment, own a business with private dumpster service, or live outside the City limits), you can recycle at any of the drop-off recycling trailers. See the drop-off recycling map here

All garbage carts, trash piles, and recycling bins should be placed on the curb before 6:00 A.M. (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and before 7:00 A.M. (Labor Day through Memorial Day). 

Emptied carts and bins must be removed from the curb by 8:00 A.M. the day after collection

Garbage includes the everyday household waste generated by citizens or businesses. To prevent litter and protect collection crews, all items must be bagged and place inside the City-regulated garbage cart. Bags of garbage left on the ground will not be collected by City crews. 

Trash includes tree and lawn trimmings, leaves, pine straw, rocks, bricks and demolition waste generated by the occupant. Trash piles must be placed at the curb and kept with 5 feet from parked cars, trees, mailboxes, or away from overhead tree limbs or utility lines. These obstructions prevent trash crews from accessing the trash pile safely. Trash items generated by a paid contractor (including construction debris, limbs or grass clippings) will not be collected by City crews. It will be the paid contractor or landscaper's responsibility to remove such debris.

Yes. The environmental services division has a disabled collection program for citizens who require this accommodation temporarily or permanently.

This program requires a physician review and signature, and must be renewed each year.

Call Tuscaloosa 311 for more information.

See current fees here

The property owner (not tenant) must call Tuscaloosa 311 to request a garbage cart repair or replacement. 

Garbage carts are assigned to the property and can be obtained once a water account is established. Property owners (not tenants) must call Tuscaloosa 311 to submit this request.

If unsure about your eligibility to receive City garbage, trash, and recycling collection services, call Tuscaloosa 311.

• Existing businesses who are seeking to improve the exterior of their business
• Small businesses (under 50 employees at address)
• Preferred business types include restaurants (excluding: bars and nightclubs) and general commercial retail
• Priority will be given to improvements that eliminate blight and make the greatest visual impact on the surrounding environment
• The maximum program participation by the same or common owners in the Storefront Improvement Program is limited to a total of two (2) projects unless a waiver is granted by the City
• Buildings that are commercially zoned with storefronts visible from the street 

• Public entities
• Not-for-profit businesses 
• Home-based businesses
• Tobacco and vape shops, payday loan and other alternative lending institutions, tattoo parlors, adult novelty stores and package stores
• Businesses employing over 50 individuals 
• Buildings that are currently under construction with an active permit

• Submit completed digital application. All required documents must be included for consideration. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

• City of Tuscaloosa staff may conduct a site visit to determine if the proposed project meets eligibility requirements.

• The application will be evaluated by City staff and recommended to City Council based on stated criteria. Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered.

• The Community Development Committee will make their recommendations to City Council for vote in a public hearing. The project will be publicized for a minimum of seven (7) days prior to the public hearing. The business owner must be available in person to present the application and answer any questions.

• Following the legally required advertising window, City Council will hear the application and vote for or against the funding recommendations. The business owner must be available in person to present the application and provide any needed clarification for consideration.

• If the project receives a favorable vote, the city will send the applicant a contract to sign. After the contract is signed, the applicant may proceed with the qualifying project.
  
  
• Upon completion of the approved project, the property owner must provide copies of all paid invoices, including canceled checks and/or credit card receipts to receive grant funds. Receipts must be itemized. 

• Approved project(s) must be completed within 120 days of approval, or an extension must be requested in writing.

• Cleaning, painting, stucco and brickwork repair
• Lighting
• Awnings and canopies
• Murals
• Doors, windows, and trim repair or replacement
• Railings, ironwork, and original architectural features
• Visible roof repairs relating to the building’s storefront
• Utility/trash enclosures (visible from public entrance) 
• Decking and stairs
• Parking lots
• Pressure washing exterior (sidewalks, exterior walls visible from public street, decking, fence, etc.)

• Permanent exterior signage integrated into the storefront design 
• Non-visible roofing repair or roofing repair unrelated to the building’s storefront (e.g., structural improvements) 
• Mechanical equipment enclosures (non-visible from public entrance)
• Billboards
• Interior renovation 
• Temporary, portable or non-permanent improvements 
• New Construction
• Property acquisition 
• Expansion of building area 
• Conversion of use 
• Working capital and/or refinancing of existing debt 
• Payment of delinquent taxes, bills or utilities
• Interior rehabilitation including modernization of electrical, mechanical, or structural elements
• Do not follow the approved architectural plans and designs for the storefront renovation
• Non-permanent fixtures (tables, flower planters, etc.)
• Any element of the proposal deemed to be inconsistent with city codes and/or zoning
• Work that is non-conforming and/or requires a Special Exception or Variance from the City of Tuscaloosa
• Expenses incurred prior to the date of grant application
• Attached, hanging or projecting signs

Project work costs $10,000

The City of Tuscaloosa will reimburse up to 80% of the total project cost. Applicant will pay a minimum of 20% of the project cost.

$10,000 X .8 = $8,000 reimbursable by the City of Tuscaloosa at the completion of the project. The applicant will be responsible for the remaining $2,000.

If the project exceeds $25,000, the City of Tuscaloosa will only pay up to $25,000 of the total project cost.

Project work costs $50,000

$50,000 x .8 = $40,000

The City of Tuscaloosa will reimburse $25,000 and the applicant will be responsible for the remaining $25,000.

Click to download the Agency Grant Application

The City of Tuscaloosa solicits bids on a weekly basis for certificates of deposit from local financial institutions that participate in Alabama's Safe program. The institution quoting the highest interest rate will be awarded the investment. In the case where more than one institution quotes the same rate, the investment will be given to the financial institution that is holding the lowest number of investments.

The invoice must reach the Finance Department with signed approval from the appropriate department before 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday to receive a check for that week.

Checks are processed and mailed every Monday after 2:30 p.m.

When the check is returned to the City, it is sent to Certegy Check Services for collection. If Certegy is unable to collect on the check within 60 days, it returns the check to the City. A certified letter is then issued and if the check is not collected on within 10 days, it is sent to the Worthless Check Unit and a warrant is issued.

The City of Tuscaloosa sells all surplus items through Southeast Auction Company. The City’s items are sold as part of Southeast’s regular monthly auctions. For more information on auction schedules, call Southeast Auction at 205-758-3068.

No. There is no charge to be placed on the bid list.

All City Of Tuscaloosa bids and formal solicitations are posted on our website at tuscaloosa.com/bids.

Additionally, purchasing maintains a bid mailing list for product bids. Vendors on this mailing list are mailed copies of bids that fall into their commodity areas. To be added to this mailing list, click on the link titled “Bidder Registration” at the top of the Bid Postings page. Please note that Purchasing is unable to mail bids for Public Works bids and Professional Services solicitations issued by other departments. For more information on those projects, please contact the issuing department.

The Finance Department is open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

A 9-1-1 medical call triggers two events: a call to the Tuscaloosa Fire & Rescue Service and a call to an ambulance service. Tuscaloosa’s 11 fire stations are located to provide the best coverage, so firefighters often arrive within only a few minutes.

• All Tuscaloosa firefighters can help you in any emergency, from a broken bone to a life-threatening situation such as cardiac arrest, stroke and trauma.
• All are trained in CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
• The fire engine that comes to your home is equipped with an AED, oxygen, oral glucose and other medical supplies.
• Our engines have equipment to enter locked houses, remove car doors, free victims from a dangerous environment and more.

If you need non-emergency transportation from your home to the hospital, there are several affordable options.

Tuscaloosa Transit Authority: The Tuscaloosa Transit Authority provides demand response vans to transport people living in the city limits of Tuscaloosa who have physical or mental disabilities. Vans are equipped with wheelchair lifts. Drivers will transport you to doctor’s appointments, the hospital, dialysis, shopping or wherever you wish to go. The service begins at 6 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The cost is $2.00 each time you board. A caregiver may travel for free. The service is by appointment only. To apply for this service, you must complete an application. Call the Tuscaloosa Transit Authority at 205-343-2300 or visit tuscaloosatransit.com/demand.php for an initial application.

FOCUS on Senior Citizens of Tuscaloosa County: FOCUS transportation service transports residents age 60 and older to medical and social service appointments. If you use a wheelchair, a van with a lift is available. The service begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The requested donation for a round trip is $5.00. A caregiver may travel for free. This service is by appointment only. There is no application process. To schedule transportation, call 205-758-3393 during office hours (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday).

We do not give away smoke alarms, but we install them free of charge in homes that need one. Our goal is to provide at-risk citizens an opportunity for an early warning in the event of a fire in their home. Call 205-248-5445 to arrange for an installation.

Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue Service has trained child passenger seat inspectors to assist the public with correct installation of child passenger safety restraints (car seats, car beds and boosters). The goal of this program is to teach parents and caregivers how to properly install a child car seat in their vehicle.

Call Fire Prevention at 205-248-5420 during office hours (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.).

A burn permit is not required for:

• Cooking food for human consumption;
• Contained fires used by construction or other workers for heating;
• Recreational or ceremonial fires; or
• Certain commercial clearing or construction fires with specific criteria.

A fire run report is available from Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue administrative offices at 3200 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa AL, 35401. For more information, call 205-248-5420 during office hours (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.).

The fire department responds to about 13,000 calls each year. More than 90 percent are for emergency medical services.

The standard response to a residential structure fire includes three engine companies, one ladder truck company, one rescue truck and one chief officer. As soon as the first arriving engine determines that other resources are not needed, they are immediately released. The main goal of the Tuscaloosa Fire & Rescue Service is to save lives and property, and this level of response is necessary to accomplish our goal over 95 percent of the time.

Training takes up a great deal of firefighters' time when they are not at an emergency. Firefighters also participate in fire safety inspections and public education programs to teach citizens about fire prevention and life safety and drive the community to become familiar with the area to reduce response time during incidents. Firefighters must also check and maintain their equipment and clean and maintain their stations.

The 9-1-1 emergency system is designed to save valuable seconds. When you dial 9-1-1, the system routes the police or fire unit that is closest to your home. Fire stations are not properly equipped to take emergency calls, and calling the station directly actually wastes response time. Often there may be no firefighters at the station because of training or other emergencies.

Call the public safety educator at 205-248-5445 at least two weeks in advance to determine availability.

Safely pull to the right and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. Be aware that there may be more than one emergency vehicle that needs to pass.

Fire in a building creates a tremendous amount of heat and smoke. It may seem like they're causing more damage than the fire, but in many instances firefighters must remove heat and smoke before they can get close enough to extinguish the fire. Because heat and smoke rise, cutting a hole in the roof and breaking out windows in strategic locations allows the smoke to vent upwards, allowing cool air to enter the structure from below. This improves visibility and lowers heat conditions for the firefighters inside, allowing them to quickly and safely extinguish the fire. Remember, heat and smoke cause damage too, so ventilation will actually reduce overall damage to a building and its contents.

Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue does not accept building donations to use in training. For more information, contact the fire marshal at 205-248-5422.

Applications are available online at tuscaloosa.com/government/work-with-us or at the Human Resource Department on the second floor of the City Hall Annex at 2201 University Blvd. Applications for public safety positions are accepted year-round. View the hiring process at the Firefighter Hiring Procedures page. For more information, call the Human Resource Department at 205-248-5230.

Because crews work a 24-hour shift, they must eat their lunch and dinner at the station. The firefighters eat the same meal as a group. The crews pay for their food out of their own pockets. Each morning after equipment is checked and housework completed, one of the vehicles (engine or ambulance) will make a quick trip to the grocery store to purchase the food for the shift. All crews remain in service to respond to calls during this time.

Because crews work 24-hour shifts, the average firefighter work week is 56 hours. If crews were to work eight-hour shifts (40-hour weeks), an entire fourth shift of 18 people would need to be added. This is the most cost-effective work schedule for fire protection.

No. However, there are several businesses that can assist you with this. Two of which we are currently aware are Central Alabama Training System (205-242-8397) and Training USA (205-345-3675).

This is a tool that will help control health care costs by verifying and removing any ineligible dependents from the City's plan. So start gathering your dependent documents now. If you need to re-order a birth certificate or marriage certificate, now is the time to do so. If you cannot verify a dependent, they will not be eligible to remain on the plan.

Get your dependent documents ready! Everyone will be required to submit dependent verification during the open enrollment period if you have dependents on your benefits. But don't worry, you will have multiple convenient ways to submit your documents.

Yes, if you do not participate in open enrollment, your benefits will remain the same as they were for 2021 except for flexible spending accounts.

Passive enrollment means that employees are not required to re-elect benefits for the upcoming year. If an employee takes no action, benefits will remain the same, except for flexible spending accounts.

When sending verification documents that contain sensitive financial and/or personal identification information, please black out the information using the sample tax form attached as a guide. Please note that it is a felony to falsify IRS tax forms in any way. Be careful not to obscure information that will be needed to verify your dependent's eligibility.

Yes. A printout of page one of your electronically submitted tax return showing your claimed dependent(s) is acceptable documentation as a substitute for the full tax return. It is not acceptable in place of any other documentation, including marriage or birth certificates.

Your former spouse does not qualify as a dependent under City of Tuscaloosa BCBS Alabama Medical & Dental and/or VSP Vision Plan(s) and must be removed from coverage on or before the deadline date. City of Tuscaloosa has arranged for Hodges-Mace, LLC to help all removed dependents find alternative coverage. Depending on when the divorce was final, your former spouse may be eligible for COBRA.

Please do not submit original documents to Alight, only photocopies. Once Alight receives your documentation, the paper documentation is converted to an electronic image, which will be stored on secure systems with password-protected access. Your documents will be kept confidential and secure.

Yes. Hodges-Mace, LLC will provide a confirmation postcard via the US Postal Service once your verification is complete. If your required documents were processed but were determined to be incomplete, Hodges-Mace, LLC will send a reminder postcard stating you have not completed the process and should contact them for additional assistance.

Dependents dropped from coverage should seek the assistance of Hodges-Mace, LLC to find alternative coverage. Hodges-Mace, LLC has access to a broad range of affordable alternatives for a variety of situations. Some dependents may be eligible for COBRA coverage due to a qualified event if it occurred recently (such as divorce, legal separation, or aging out). If eligible, dependents will receive a COBRA package. However, receipt of the package does not automatically entitle them to COBRA coverage. For example, parents, grandparents, and siblings of members were never considered eligible dependents under the health plan are not eligible for COBRA coverage. City of Tuscaloosa reserves the right to request documentation proving prior eligibility status such as a divorce agreement, school registration, or court order from individuals who enroll in COBRA.

Yes. You are not being asked to submit sensitive personal information such as social security numbers and financial account numbers. You may black out any such information before you submit a copy of the required documentation.

If you do not return the Dependent Verification Affidavit and required documentation, your dependents will be removed from coverage on the City of Tuscaloosa BCBS Alabama Medical & Dental and/or VSP Vision Plan(s). You may also be responsible for claims incurred for ineligible dependents.

You must respond by the Deadline Date listed on the first page of this packet to certify that your dependents meet all eligibility criteria. If you have an ineligible person enrolled as a dependent, you must remove that person during this period by indicating the box in Column 'D' on the Dependent Eligibility Affidavit.

You must check the box in column 'D' next to the dependent's name and fill in the date in column 'E' on the Dependent Verification Affidavit. Your ineligible dependents will be removed from coverage. You may contact Hodges-Mace, LLC to discuss coverage alternatives.

Yes, dependent verification is a legal process. City of Tuscaloosa has the responsibility to ensure everyone enrolled in the plan meets the eligibility criteria. The specified documentation listed in the matrix will be needed to establish eligibility for your dependents. If Hodges- Mace, LLC does not receive this documentation, you risk your dependents not being covered by the health plan.

This dependent verification project is for US employees that have dependents on the City of Tuscaloosa BCBS Alabama Medical & Dental and/or VSP Vision Plan(s). No one person is being singled out for this.

No. Please send verification documents to Hodges-Mace, LLC via fax, mail or by securely uploading your documents on the web portal. Hodges-Mace, LLC will review your documents and confirm verification of your dependents.

If you read the Dependent Eligibility Matrix and still have questions, there is a customized web site available at www.depconfirm.com/COT You can also call Hodges- Mace, LLC toll free at 1 (855) 210-1938. Representatives are available from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. EST Monday through Friday.

Faxed documents are entered into a HIPAA secured system as electronic images and are not printed to paper. Paper documents submitted are converted into electronic images and the paper is saved in a secure facility until they are destroyed upon completion of the project.

Yes.

Alight is an independent third-party company located in Atlanta, GA. City of Tuscaloosa has contracted with Alight to audit the eligibility of dependents currently covered under its medical, dental and/or vision plan(s). City of Tuscaloosa has also retained the services of Alight to help find displaced dependents alternative health coverage for their particular situation.

City of Tuscaloosa, as defined by the plan, is required by law to administer its health care plan so that it benefits only eligible individuals. The company is also sensitive to the rising cost of health care and recognizes that covering ineligible participants drives up the cost of health care for all eligible employees. As such, City of Tuscaloosa must ensure that benefit dollars are being spent only on eligible participants. Dependent eligibility verification of health plan enrollments is a standard business practice.

Job titles can be found at the City of Tuscaloosa Job Descriptions.

Access the Time and Attendance system (KRONOS). You can access KRONOS by clicking on the KRONOS icon on your desktop if applicable. You will enter your username and password, which are the same username and password that you use to access your desktop computer. Once you are logged in the system, click on the My Information tab and then "My Reports." A listing of all the reports you can run will appear. Click on the report and the system will highlight it and give a description of that report. You will notice an "as of" field where you may select a date range or select from the numerous options of dates. Note some reports will not allow you to select since there may only be one option in this field.

It is best to check with your supervisor or department head to determine your interdepartmental policy. Your department may like for you to request time off in the Time and Attendance system (KRONOS). You can access KRONOS by clicking on the KRONOS icon on your desktop if applicable. You will enter your username and password, which are the same username and password that you use to access your desktop computer. Once you are logged in the system, click on the My Information tab and then “My Requests” from the drop-down list.

In the Time Period fields, make sure that your range will include all days that you would like to request off. You can select a two week or more period of time, but the system will only deduct your accrual time on the dates that you have a schedule in place. Remember to never select the holiday(s) in your date range. The system will only show holidays within a 12-week period from the day you're in the system. You may have to look in the My Links tab to see when the City observes the holiday before requesting time off. You can click on a day in the calendar or you can select a range of dates, but they have to be in consecutive order; you can’t randomly check different dates. If you want to take two consecutive days off after a holiday, you can select those dates in the calendar, scroll down and under the Requests tab (at the bottom of this page under the calendar), select "Time off Request–Full Day." If you don’t choose a day(s) in the calendar, you can enter your date(s) once you are in the Time-Off Request–Full Day screen. Choose your pay code you want to use and you will notice that your accrual balances will be to the right hand side of this screen. This will let you know how much time you have available on that day.

On a partial day request, it is best to make all of your punches for the day and enter your partial day request the next business day because you can look at your timecard on that day and note exactly what time you punched out and in the shift column you can note exactly how many hours and minutes you worked. Then, when you go to enter your partial day request, you can enter your start time as your actual punch out time and add hours and minutes to your shift column hours and minutes to make up for your scheduled shift that day.

Access the Time and Attendance system (KRONOS) by clicking on the KRONOS icon on your desktop if applicable. You will enter your username and password, which are the same username and password that you use to access your desktop computer. Once you are logged in the system, click on the My Information tab and then click on "My Timecard." You will then need to click on a certain day in your timecard. At the bottom of your timecard you will see an Accruals tab; click on this and it will give you all of your balances as of the date you selected in the timecard. You can select a different day in your timecard to see the balance on each day you select.

Access the Time and Attendance system (KRONOS) by clicking on the KRONOS icon on your desktop if applicable. You will enter your username and password, which are the same username and password you use to access your desktop computer. Once you are logged in the system, click on the My Information tab and then click "My Timecard."

Full-time employees accrue paid time off, or AVAIL, to be used for vacation and minor illnesses and injuries subject to certain terms and conditions. Full-time employees also accrue paid time off, or SAIL, for qualifying medically related absences that prevent employees from performing the essential functions of their jobs for more than 40 regularly scheduled working hours. Paid time off is outlined in Chapter 19, Article X and XI of the City Code.

Overtime is the amount of time an employee works beyond normal working hours. Compensatory time, or comp time, is time off with pay in lieu of overtime pay. Overtime and compensatory time are outlined in Chapter 19, Article III, Section 19-61 of the City Code. 

If your regular off day falls on a holiday, you can receive holiday pay at time and a half for each regular schedule hour up to eight hours, or you can choose to take the holiday another day as regular compensatory time for your approved scheduled hours on that day. Please note: Any nonexempt full-time employee who is not working on a recognized city holiday, which falls on their regularly scheduled off day during the week, in lieu of holiday pay, a department head may permit or require department employees to be awarded one hour of compensatory time for each scheduled hour up to a maximum of eight hours or 10 hours for employees working an approved work schedule.

If you work on a holiday, you have two options: You can receive holiday pay at time and a half for each hour that you work up to eight hours, or you can choose to take the holiday another day as regular compensatory time for your approved scheduled hours.

If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it will be taken on the preceding Friday or following Monday as determined by the mayor. The council reserves the right to reschedule a holiday as conditions warrant.

The paid City holidays are New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day following Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

KRONOS is the City’s time and attendance software system that accounts for all city employees' time and effectively addresses authorized leaves, sick time, vacations, overtime and applicable federal laws to ensure overall efficiency and delivery of services.

Alt-duty is a program that allows employees return to work with restrictions to help them recover. The employee is given less demanding work duties to help him or her recover. Although it’s not full duty, it helps the employee return in a limited capacity and helps keep workers’ comp costs down, which benefits all City of Tuscaloosa employees.

If an employee suffers a work-related injury and is required to go home, he or she is paid for the rest of the day that the injury occurred. The City of Tuscaloosa pays the employee for the following three full days after the injury date. After three days, the employee's pay is split between the City (33 percent) and workers’ comp (66 percent), so he or she still receives full pay. Once the employee returns to work, the case is closed, and his or her normal pay schedule resumes.

Any employees who need training should first contact their supervisors to receive training. If the supervisor does not have the pertinent training available, employees must then contact the safety director to receive the appropriate training.

Yes. A spouse under age 65 may continue coverage under the City Group Health Plan even though his or her retiree spouse's plan discontinues at age 65.

If you are a retiree who was already enrolled in the plan on Oct. 1, 2009 or if you retired on or after Oct. 1, 2009, you will be allowed to enroll or re-enroll in the plan at any time prior to reaching age 65.

Dependent children may continue coverage until age 26 unless they are hired into a benefit-eligible position within the City of Tuscaloosa.

Family status changes are marriage; divorce; childbirth; adoption of a child; death of a spouse or dependent; or a dependent child or dependent adult reaching the coverage age limit.

Employment status changes are if your employment status with the City changes to a benefit-eligible or non-eligible status, or your spouse’s or adult dependent’s employment changes and affects benefit coverage.

Notify the Human Resources Department within 30 days of the event that you wish to make benefit changes if you experience any of the events listed.

Note on dental plans: The Blue Cross Dental Plan will not allow enrollment of dependents that were previously eligible for coverage but declined the coverage in the past. Periodically, Blue Cross will announce a special enrollment period to allow such enrollments. Human Resources will communicate such periods to employees during the City’s annual benefits open-enrollment period.

New employees must enroll in benefits within 30 days of hire date. Coverage will be effective on the first of the month following hire date. The election for coverage will remain in effect for the remainder of the calendar year unless an employee experiences a qualifying life event or family status change. Employees may choose dependent coverage at initial enrollment or later in the year if experiencing a qualifying life event. Employees may revise previous coverage elections to accommodate the life change if the request for change is submitted to the Human Resources Department within 30 days of the event. In order to add dependent coverage at hire or following a qualifying life event, documentation of relationship to the employee must be submitted.  Employees must provide copies of birth certificates for dependent children and copies of marriage certificates to add coverage for a spouse.

Call-out pay is when a nonexempt employee is called out by being ordered to return to duty after scheduled working hours to perform work on behalf of the city as directed by his or her supervisor. The employee will be paid or may elect compensatory time for the actual time worked at the overtime rate with a guaranteed minimum of two hours.

Occasionally, a temporary vacancy will occur within certain city departments engaged in construction activity or utility operations. In these instances, the temporary absence of a key employee can hamper the operations of a crew or facility. Such situations are not in the best interest of the city or the public. Therefore, a mechanism is needed to establish a process and to compensate certain city employees who are directed by their supervisors to assume duties in the absence of certain higher-ranking employees ("step up") to ensure that departmental operations and work activities continue at a normal pace.

Step-up pay does not establish or grant any increase of base pay to any employee. Step-up pay is to be paid to an employee only so long as that employee meets the requirements herein and is subject to modification at any time. Step-up pay is not considered overtime pay or part of an employee's base pay.

A crew worker, equipment operator, sanitation worker or senior or heavy equipment operator who is directed by his or her supervisor to "step up" to a vacant higher job in that department shall receive additional compensation at the rate of 1 1/2 hours per day at the employee's current hourly rate of pay provided however the following conditions are met: The provisions hereof only apply to employees involved in construction or operations activities in the Department of Transportation (TDOT), Environmental Services Department and the Water and Sewer Department. The provisions hereof do not apply to office or clerical personnel in any city department. The employee must be directed by his or her supervisor to "step up" to the vacant job. Stepping up shall consist of the performance of work by the employee in the capacity of the job classification of any employee in a higher job classification within the same department for a complete shift. The step up may not continue for a period of more than two continuous work weeks. The employee must be otherwise qualified to "step up" to the vacant job, including possessing any required training certifications and/or licenses. The vacant job must involve essential job functions which are not outside the scope of the general job classification and/or duties of the employee stepping up to that job.

Employees who work a qualifying shift are eligible for shift differential pay of $0.40 per hour subject to a maximum of 80 hours per pay period. A qualifying shift is a regularly scheduled work shift that is at least eight  hours but not more than 12 hours and begins between 1:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. Employees will also receive shift differential pay when using paid time off (AVAIL, SAIL, compensatory time, military paid time off) during a pay period the employee is scheduled for a qualifying shift for the entire pay period unless he or she is working a rotating shift.

The base pay of an employee may be adjusted within the range of the employee’s assigned pay by the department head recommending to the human resource director an adjustment of an employee’s salary with justification based upon the prevailing market conditions and/or internal or external equity, with supporting documentation. The Human Resource Department will review the recommendation of the department head and confirm the supporting documentation for appropriateness. If the human resource director concurs that an adjustment is warranted, he or she may forward the request to the mayor and/or Finance Committee (if funds are needed) for further review and action.

When an employee is promoted to a job with higher pay grade, he or she will receive an increase in base pay equivalent to the greater of:         An increase of 6 percent added to employee's current base pay and then placed in the new job classification pay grade at the equivalent step amount; however, if no equivalent step amount then employee shall be placed at the next highest step. If any increase as a result of a promotion exceeds step 20 pay of the new job classification pay grade, then employee shall be placed at step 20.       Step 1 pay of the higher pay grade.

If the duties and responsibilities of a position have changed significantly and are now more in line with another job classification than that to which it is assigned, the position may be reassigned to the other job classification through a process called reallocation.  A reallocation pertains solely to a certain position.  Requests for reallocations are made in writing to the Human Resource Department in the following manner:  

1. A written request outlining the specific reasons for the request to reallocate an existing position to another classification must be sent to the human resource director. 
2. A Comprehensive Position Questionnaire (CPQ) may need to be completed by the supervisor, the incumbent or others familiar with the job to identify the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
3. Staff from the Human Resource Department may perform a job audit or interview the supervisor(s) or possible incumbent(s) of the job if more information is needed.
4. Additionally, the human resource director may forward his or her recommendation to the mayor and/or Finance Committee (if funds are needed) for further review and action.

If it is necessary to modify any portion of an existing classification specification, submit the changes in writing to the Human Resource Department for consideration and review. Job analysis and job evaluation procedures may then be performed before any final recommendation is made by the Human Resource Department.  Additionally, the human resource director may forward his or her recommendation to the mayor, Administrative Committee and/or Full Council for further review and action.

If it is determined that the duties and responsibilities of a particular position are not covered by an existing classification specification within the current pay plan exhibits, it may be necessary to establish a new classification and/or revise an existing job classification accordingly. New classifications are established in the following manner:  

1. A Comprehensive Position Questionnaire (CPQ) may be completed by the supervisor or others familiar with the job to identify the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.

2. A draft classification specification will be developed by the Human Resource Department to include the proposed title of the classification and salary grade; the summary or purpose; a listing of the essential and marginal functions or duties; and the minimum qualifications and requirements.

A new classification request may also include a request for assignment to a particular salary grade. This request should be supported by salary survey data from comparative labor markets but may also include internal comparisons of other city jobs requiring comparable levels of expertise and qualifications. The request and supporting information should be submitted to the Human Resource Department for consideration and review. Human Resource Department staff members may contact the department to conduct a job audit with the supervisor(s) and/or incumbent(s). Job analysis and job evaluation procedures may then be performed before any final recommendation is made by the Human Resource Department. Additionally, the human resource director may forward his or her recommendation to the mayor, Administrative Committee, Finance Committee (if funds are needed) and/or Full Council for further review and action.

If a job classification is upgraded to a higher pay grade, all employees within the job classification shall be placed in the higher pay grade at the equivalent step amount (salary). However, if there is no equivalent step amount (salary), then the employees shall be placed at the next highest step. If any increase as a result of an upgrade exceeds step 20 pay of the new job classification pay grade, then employees shall be placed at step 20.

An upgrade of a job classification is when the pay grade of an existing job classification is changed to a higher pay grade or pay range. To change the pay grade of a particular job classification, a request must be made in writing from the department head to the Human Resource Department. This request should be supported by data such as salary survey information from comparative labor markets and/or internal comparisons to other city jobs with comparable levels of expertise and qualifications. This data should document why such a change is necessary to be competitive. This material will be reviewed and confirmed by Human Resource Department staff members for appropriateness. Consideration will be given to the impact on multiple departments with positions in the same classification. Job analysis and job evaluation procedures may then be performed before any final recommendation is made by the Human Resource Department. Additionally, the human resource director may forward his or her recommendation for approval by the mayor, Administrative Committee, Finance Committee (if funds are needed) and/or Full Council to amend the pay plan exhibits.

Employees reaching step 20 of any pay grade shall be topped out for purposes of step raises. However, employees at step 20 shall remain eligible for COLA adjustments. No employee of the City will receive any increase in base pay at any point of the pay plan or by pay adjustment that would result in that employee's base pay exceeding step 20 of the pay grade for the employee's job classification.

If approved in the fiscal year budget, step raises for all eligible employees shall be considered based upon employee performance appraisal results. Employees who meet or exceed expectations shall receive an increase of two steps (maximum step 20) or approximately 3 percent of base pay. Employees who fail to meet or exceed expectations shall not receive a step increase in the year the employee fails to meet or exceed expectations. Step raises shall be considered on the employee's anniversary date of hire each year and any step increases shall be effective the first full pay period after the employee's anniversary date of hire. Any employee that has received final disciplinary action in the form of two or more written reprimands, a suspension without pay or an involuntary demotion in the preceding year measured from the employee's anniversary date of hire, or from the employee's last previous increase in base pay pursuant to the pay plan, whichever is longer, shall not be entitled or eligible to receive any pay increases provided for herein for that year; but shall remain eligible for cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase.

At the first full pay period after the beginning of each fiscal year, pay plan exhibit C of section 19-42 of the City Code shall be automatically adjusted to provide a cost of living adjustment (COLA) to each step of each pay grade equal to the annualized consumer price index (CPI) using the south urban CPI from the U.S. Department of Labor released in January of each year. This will increase employees' base pay equal to the COLA effective at the beginning of the first pay period with a pay date on or after Oct. 1 of each year. Part-time employees shall receive a COLA effective at the beginning of the first pay date on or after Oct. 1 of each year equal to the annualized CPI using the south urban CPI from the U.S. Department of Labor released in January of each year.

Exempt employees are employees assigned to job classifications who shall not receive overtime pay on the basis that the job classification has been determined to be professional, administrative or executive personnel within the meaning of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Non-Exempt employees are those who can receive overtime pay.

The pay plan exhibits are three documents that list adopted job classifications, pay ranges and step schedule.  Click on the links below to view the pay plan exhibits.  

• Pay Plan Exhibit A – Job Class List Pay Grade Order
• Plan Exhibit B – Job Class List Alphabetical Order
• Pay Plan Exhibit C – Pay Grade and Step Schedule
• Pay Plan Exhibit D – Public Safety Pay Grade and Step Schedule

As the pay plan exhibits are updated, the job description listings and pay ranges are also updated. Moreover, updated pay plan exhibits are kept in the Human Resource Department Public Folders in Microsoft Outlook. 

City employees are paid on a biweekly basis. There are two different pay schedules: PS1 for our pay schedule 1 employees and PS2 for our pay schedule 2 employees, which rotate each week being paid.

Covered employees who have successfully completed the established probationary period are considered regular status and are entitled to the privileges and protections afforded by the Personnel Board pursuant to Ala. Act 2006-233.

During a covered employee's probationary period, a department head may discharge a probationer under his or her supervision by stating in writing the reasons to the mayor. If the mayor disagrees with the discharge, mayor may, within five (5) days of receipt of the written statement, notify the department head and the probationer of the time and place of a hearing to be conducted in regard to the discharge. Upon failure of the mayor to so notify within five (5) business days, the mayor shall be deemed to have consented to the discharge. In the event that such a hearing is scheduled, the department head may suspend the probationer without pay pending the hearing.

The promotion processes for public safety jobs are outlined in Chapter 19, Article XIV, Section 19-261 (c) (3) of the City Code.

You can upload a different cover letter or job-specific resume for each job, or you can choose to use the same resume for all jobs you apply.

No. You can use that application to apply without having to redo the entire process. However, you will be required to answer agency-specific and/or supplemental questions each time you apply.

Yes. Each position has a unique position and requisition number, and some job titles are used across several departments. For example, if you applied for an Equipment Operator posting in Transportation (TDOT), and there is currently another posting for an Equipment Operator in TDOT or another department that you’d like to be considered for, then you need to submit your application for that positing as well. However, if a position is reposted that you have previously applied for, our system will not allow you to reapply.

The qualifications for each position are listed in the Minimum Qualifications section of the posting. Some positions allow for a substitution of additional work experience in lieu of educational requirements or vice versa. If a position allows for substitution, it will be stated in the minimum qualifications. Also, some positions allow for obtaining certain credentials or licensures within a time period after hire. Again, if this is permissible, it will be stated in the minimum qualifications.

We do not provide contact information about hiring managers, and we ask that you do not make contact with them in relation to employment outside of our formal hiring process.

After interviews, the hiring department will make a recommendation to the Human Resource Department, and the pre-employment hiring process begins. This process will include verification of credentials (diplomas/degrees/certifications), criminal history background and reference checks. In some job classifications your credit history may be checked. The findings are then reviewed by Human Resource staff and the hiring department head and/or his or her designee to approve the pre-employment findings. If approved, the selected candidate is then notified of the conditional offer of employment. The conditional phase will include a physical examination and drug screen, depending on the job.

Log in to Government Jobs to review the status of your application. Your status will be either “Application Received," “Department Review" or “Interview.” Once your application has been submitted, the status will be “Application Received.” After screening, applications are referred to the hiring department for further review. Your application status will indicate “Department Review” if you were referred. Once the hiring department has reviewed applications and determined those to interview, your status is changed to “Interview.” The chosen candidates are notified by telephone call or email of the interview date and time.

Click on “I Forgot My Username and/or Password” and follow the prompts. If you no longer have the email account that was used to establish your account, you will need to create a new account. If further assistance is needed, please call the Government Jobs help line at 1-855-524-5627.

Job opportunities are listed on our website at tuscaloosa.com/government/work-with-us.

Click "Employment Opportunities" to view currently open positions and "Job Descriptions" to view the qualifications and duties of all City positions. Note: We don't take applications for jobs that we are not currently advertising or after the closing date has expired. You can't submit a resume in lieu of an application, but you can upload and attach a resume to your application that is submitted through our online application system.

After determining that you are qualified for a job posted in Employment Opportunities, you may submit an application through our online applications system by clicking "Apply." If you have previously applied with us, you do not have to create another application; your information will be stored, and you should login with the username and password you’ve previously created.   

Applications are accepted for public safety positions at the City of Tuscaloosa when posted regardless of whether or not there is a vacancy. However, the date we receive your application will determine the testing date for which you are eligible. If your application is considered complete, an entry level written test is the initial step in the hiring process for all public safety positions.  

You may apply for a position online at tuscaloosa.com/government/work-with-us or using a City computer in the Human Resource Department lobby at City Hall. If you have any questions, call the Human Resource Department at 205-248-5230.          

Information about each job can be found using the links below:

• Firefighter
• Police Patrol Officer, Recruit
• Telecommunicator, Basic

With the exception of public safety positions and certain labor type positions, applications are only accepted when there is an existing vacancy.  When there is a vacancy the job is generally posted for five (5) working days. You may apply for a position with the City of Tuscaloosa two ways. You may apply online from anywhere you can obtain internet access. You may apply online at the Human Resources office in City Hall. More information can be obtained at Hiring Procedures.

City of Tuscaloosa Intermodal Facility
2299-2201 7th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

1. Head to the Tuscaloosa lntermodal Facility (aka the parking deck) located next to City Hall and enter the parking deck from 7th Street.
2. Pull into the lntermodal Facility and continue driving straight (approximately 240 ft) up the incline toward level 2, then keep right until reaching the top deck - level
3. Once you arrive at the top of the parking deck, use the glass double doors under the covered walkway to enter City Hall Annex 1.
4. Once inside, continue (125 ft) down the enclosed crosswalk to the security desk and inform the officer that you are headed to HR.
5. From the security desk, turn right, and walk (115 ft) to the end of the
6. Then, turn left and continue (75 ft) until you reach the third door to your

Helpful Links
Download These Directions (PDF)
Driving Directions (Video)

The defensive driving courses can be found at internetdrivingschool.net and www.drivesafetuscaloosacity.com. 

You can pay tickets online at tuscaloosa.com/live-play/pay-citations-fines.

Municipal codes can be viewed at the Code of Ordinances library.

Call 205-349-3870.

You may pay at the cashier’s window at Tuscaloosa Municipal Court, 2122 Gary Fitts St., or online at tuscaloosa.com/live-play/pay-citations-fines (must be by your court date). For help, call 205-248-5330.

You may use a bonding company, property bond or cash bond unless the warrant is for failure to appear, whereby you will have to post a cash bond.

You can apply for a court-appointed attorney when you appear in court. The judge will make the determination of whether you are eligible for a court-appointed attorney. Eligibility is based on financial need.

You must turn yourself in to the Tuscaloosa Police Department and post a bond. You will be given a court date. 

Suitable attire is required. Shirts and shoes are required. Halter tops, tank tops and shorts are not appropriate. No hats or scarves may be worn in the courtroom. Cellphones and electronic devices are not permitted in the courtroom. Court and security staff will not be responsible for your devices, so they must be left in the car or at home. 

If an individual has a speeding ticket and no other moving violations, the court will consider dismissal upon completion of defensive driving school and payment of the application fee and court costs of $262. You will have to appear in court to request a dismissal. The options on the other type of minor moving violations are to either plead guilty or to plead not guilty and have a trial.

Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the courtroom.

No, all request for resets and/or continuances must be made in person.

Cash, cashier’s check, money order, or debit/credit card (services fees will apply to all card transactions). No personal checks will be accepted.

The court cost will remain the same whether you come to court or not. The court cost is already included in the amount paid for minor traffic citations. If a trial or failure to appear fine is applicable, the court cost could increase due to subpoena or late fees. The fine, however, is subject to change if a trial is requested. This is at the discretion of the judge.

The judge or the court magistrates will give you the date to pay your fines.

The judge can order a fine of up to $500 and/or six months in jail on any charge in municipal court except for driving under the influence whereby the fine and jail time can be higher. View fines and court costs for ordinance violations at tuscaloosa.com/court/ordinance-violations and for traffic citations at fines.

Only if you have signed a plea of guilt. Download and fill out the Guilty Plea Form at tuscaloosa.com/live-play/pay-citations-fines.

Maybe, if it is on the minor traffic fine schedule. You may pay your ticket at the cashier's window at Tuscaloosa Municipal Court, 2122 Sixth St. You may also mail a money order or a cashier's check along with your copy of the ticket (signed on the defendant's line) or pay your ticket online at tuscaloosa.com/live-play/pay-citations-fines as long as it is not after your court date.

You will have to appear in court on the court date on your citation. Your options will be presented to you at that time. The court will make the determination if you are eligible for a dismissal.  

Only if it is a minor traffic violation. View fines and court costs for minor traffic violations https://www.tuscaloosa.com/court/pay-citations-and-fines/traffic-citations-info.

For court-required appearances, the prosecutor will call the docket on criminal arraignment and certain traffic offenses on traffic arraignment dockets. The prosecutor will ask you whether you plead guilty or not guilty.

If you plead guilty, the prosecutor will advise you of the recommendation of a sentence to the judge and the judge will then sentence you. If you plead guilty to the court magistrate on a minor traffic violation, you will be sentenced to the settlement amount and advised when to pay the fines and court costs.

If you plead not guilty, the judge will set the trial date.

For offenses that do not require a courtroom appearance, you will go to the magistrates at the payment window and they will present you with your options. They will ask if you plead guilty or not guilty. For guilty pleas, the magistrate will provide you with a due date for payment or any other requirements.

The Municipal Court building is beside City Hall at 2122 Gary Fitts St. in downtown Tuscaloosa.

Please refer to this map: Tuscaloosa City Limits Map.

Please refer to this map: Tuscaloosa City Limits Map.

An active water account must be established to active garbage collection services.

Call Tuscaloosa 311 or visit tuscaloosa.com/onlineservices to get started

Learn about Tuscaloosa City Schools at tuscaloosacityschools.com/ and Tuscaloosa County Schools at tcss.net/. 

Learn about The University of Alabama at ua.edu/, Stillman College at stillman.edu/ and Shelton State Community College at sheltonstate.edu. 

View the utilities section of the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce's Relocation Information page.

Learn about Tuscaloosa emergency management and sign up for local alerts at TuscAlert.

Generally speaking, the Police Jurisdiction is the three mile area that surrounds or extends past the City limits of Tuscaloosa but not into the jurisdiction of another city.

Make your house look lived in. This includes stopping your paper and mail delivery or having a neighbor pick it up. Let your neighbors know you're going out of town, so they can keep an eye on your home. You may also leave certain lights on a timer.

Pistol permits are issued by the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office at 700 Greensboro Ave. Apply at tcsoal.org/resources/pistol-permit.

The Tuscaloosa Police Department does not offer this service at this time.

If the crime occurred in Tuscaloosa and a report was taken by a Tuscaloosa Police Officer, you must first obtain a copy of your police report. After you've gotten your report, you must meet with a Municipal Court Magistrate either at the Municipal Court building or at police headquarters.

Call the Tuscaloosa Police Department Office of Standards and Integrity at 205-248-4510.

Tuscaloosa Police Department does not have a reserve program. However, we do have the Explorer's Program and a ride-along program.

For burglary, theft, robbery and business service, call the Criminal Investigation Division at 205-248-4520. For serious assault, homicide and rape, call the Homicide Division at 205-464-8690. For juvenile crime, call the Juvenile Division at 205-248-4600.

Contact the Narcotics Division at 205-248-4770. If no one is available to take your call, you may leave the information on our secure voicemail.

Call Tuscaloosa 311 by dialing 311 within city limits or 205-248-5311 if outside city limits.

View our hiring procedures, employment opportunities and job descriptions at tuscaloosa.com/government/work-with-us. For more information call the Human Resources Division at 205-248-5230.

Call the Communications Division at 205-349-2121.

Call the Traffic Division at 205-248-4730.

Call the Duty Desk at 205-248-4840.

To inquire about an impounded vehicle, call 205-248-4591. To inquire about recovered property, call 205-248-4556.

Call the Police Department Public Relations at 205-248-4845.

Yes. Through our ride-along program, citizens 18 years or older can ride with a patrol officer during his or her regular shift. Participants must first complete the Ride-Along Form and Non-Disclosure Agreement and bring them to police headquarters at 3801 Trevor S. Phillips Ave. For more information, please call headquarters at 205-248-1121.

Contact the Special Events department for a Special Event Permit at events@tuscaloosa.com or (205) 248-5282.

Call the Records Division at 205-248-4560.

First, always try to remain calm and speak clearly. Stay on the phone with us until the operator tells you to hang up. Tell us the type of emergency (accident, robbery, etc). Tell us the address of the emergency or where to send the officer(s). Is anyone injured, and is an ambulance or rescue required? If there is "suspect" information, give us as complete of a description as you can. In most cases you will be asked for your name. If you're calling from a cell phone while driving, make sure you can call us safely.

Call the Communications Division at 205-349-2121.

Dial 911.

Locate and search for sex offenders in your area using the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office Sex Offender Database. You may also sign up to receive email alerts when a published offender registers within a specified radius of your address.

Economic development information can be found at tuscaloosa.com/business.

Sec. 7-3. - Records of taxpayers required to be maintained. It shall be the duty of every person engaging in any business to keep and maintain an accurate and complete set of records. The records maintained must be sufficient to allow the city or its auditors to determine the correct amount of any tax, business license, or other amount levied by this chapter or otherwise levied by the city. To the extent necessary to determine the correct amount of any tax, business license, or other amount levied, the records required to be maintained shall include without limitation all books of account, invoices, purchases, sales, receipts, register tapes, inventory, reports, bank statements, financial statements, and federal income tax returns. It shall be the duty of every person to keep and preserve all invoices of goods and merchandise purchased, for resale or otherwise. The records for any person selling both at wholesale and retail shall be kept separately in order to show the gross proceeds of wholesale sales and the gross proceeds of retail sales. All such books, invoices, and other records shall be open for examination by the revenue department. Without limiting the foregoing, taxpayers shall also keep and maintain any records required by state law. In the event the taxpayer's records are inadequate, the Revenue Department may calculate and determine the amount of license or tax based on any information available.

To learn more about business licenses, taxes and regulations, see Chapter 7 of the City Code.

Most of our licenses are gross receipts-based. Until you have been in business three years, you must estimate your gross receipts. This is called the “phase-in” period. Upon renewal you will be asked what the actual gross receipts were and you may be required to give a new estimate (depending on the time of year that the license was first purchased). An adjustment or credit will be issued depending on the difference between your estimated and actual gross receipts. Please contact the Revenue Department at 205-248-5211 to help with the license fees during this “phase-in” period.

Yes. You can file your city taxes electronically using the Alabama Department of Revenue web application, My Alabama Taxes (MAT). Even though you file and pay online via the Alabama Department of Revenue, taxes will remain self-administered by the City of Tuscaloosa. The payment you authorize will go directly to the City's bank and returns will go directly to the City as well.

Your Jurisdiction Account Number (City of Tuscaloosa Account ID number) is required. If you do not have an Account ID with the City of Tuscaloosa, you will need to apply by completing and returning the Application for Business License/Tax form found on the Tax Forms page. See tuscaloosa.com/business/file-pay-taxes for more information.

Use tax is to be filed by persons, firms or corporations storing, using or otherwise consuming tangible personal property when not taxed according to sales tax law. Use tax is imposed on the sales price of the property only if sales tax cannot be assessed or has not been assessed.

Also known as "rental tax," the rental tangible personal property tax is a privilege tax levied on the lessor for leasing or renting tangible personal property.

A tax exempt sale is when sales or use tax is not assessed by state law, such as sales to governments, schools, or a special tax exemption is granted (e.g., Girl and Boy Scouts, United Way, Salvation Army, YMCA, etc.).

Monthly taxes are due by the 20th day of the month following the reporting period in which the tax is collected or accrued.

Quarterly tax deadlines are as follows:

• 1st Qtr. (Jan. Feb. Mar.)  due on or before April 20
• 2nd Qtr. (April May June) due on or before July 20
• 3rd Qtr. (July Aug. Sept. ) due on or before Oct. 20
• 4th Qtr. (Oct. Nov. Dec. ) due on or before Jan. 20

Sales, Use, Rental Tangible Personal Property, Lodging, Liquor, Wine, Tobacco, Commercial and Residential Rental.

It is the six digit account number assigned to your business and can be found in the top left corner of your City of Tuscaloosa business license.

City Ordinance 7-16 states: It shall be unlawful for any person described in subsection (a) to engage in the activity for which a business license is levied without first having procured a business license therefore. In addition to any applicable civil penalties, violations of this section shall be punishable by a fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each offense, and if the violation is willful, by imprisonment, not to exceed six (6) months for each offense, or both such fine and imprisonment, all at the discretion of the court trying the same. Each day during which such violation occurs shall constitute a separate offense.

Yes. If the business license is not renewed on or before Feb. 15, there is a 15 percent penalty assessed for the first 30 days the payment is late. There is an additional 15 percent penalty assessed if the license is paid after 30 days. The maximum penalty assessed each year for a delinquent license is 30 percent. In addition to a penalty, all delinquent licenses are assessed interest of 1 percent each month on the unpaid balance.

All City of Tuscaloosa business licenses expire Dec. 31 and are renewable from Jan. 1 until Feb. 15 without a penalty.

There are several hundred different types of business licenses. Licenses are based on the occupation, trade or profession of the business. In some cases more than one type of license may be required.

Gross receipts are any and all receipts of a business from whatever source derived, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable laws and constitutional provisions, to be used in calculating the amount due for a business license. Gross receipts are not subject to any deductions, exclusions, exemptions or reductions unless expressly provided by state law.

The cost of the initial business license is based on the business license classification and the estimated gross receipts from the time the business is open until Dec. 31 plus the base license fee.

A code compliance is the process the City of Tuscaloosa uses to obtain approval of a business location by the various City departments. This is necessary to determine whether the operation of the business would conflict with the public safety, health or welfare, or with any provision of law including but not limited to zoning laws, building and safety codes, fire codes, health codes and any other laws or codes which would potentially affect public safety, health and welfare prior to the issuance of a business license. This approval must be granted prior to issuance of a business license.

The first step is determining the physical location of the business. If the business is located inside the Tuscaloosa City limits or its Police Jurisdiction, the business location must be approved through a code compliance. Once this code compliance approval has been completed, a business license will be issued based on the estimated gross receipts of the business for the calendar year.

If you discover that you have made an error on a sales tax return previously filed, use a blank form marked “AMENDED” to report the corrected information for the applicable period(s).  Forward the amended return, a copy of the original return, and any addition tax, penalty, and/or interest due to the following address:

City of Tuscaloosa
Revenue Division
P.O. Box 2089
Tuscaloosa, AL  35403

If there is no additional tax due, you can email the forms to revenueoffice@tuscaloosa.com.

Contact our office at 205-248-5200 or by email at revenueoffice@tuscaloosa.com.

You can renew your business license by completing the business license renewal form you are mailed in January of each year.  If you need a copy of this form, you can contact our office.  Our office can also provide help with calculations on your renewal.

Yes.  Penalty and interest is due if the tax is paid after the 20^th day of the month in which tax is due.  The Failure to Timely File penalty is 10% of the total tax due or $50, whichever is greater.  The Failure to Timely Pay Penalty is 10% of the total tax due.  Interest is based on the current APR.  For the current interest rate, you can call our office or visit the website: https://revenue.alabama.gov/assessements/quarterly-interest-rates.

NOTE:  Returns and payment must be submitted by 4:00 pm CST on the due date of the return to be considered “on-time”

No.  The City of Tuscaloosa tax returns can be filed on My Alabama Taxes free of charge.

ACH Debit is the preferred EFT payment method; however, taxpayers may request approval to submit payments via ACH Credit by sending an email to revenueoffice@tuscaloosa.com.  Please include the following information with your approval request:

     Legal Name of Business
     State of Alabama City/County Account ID (LCL number received from State)
     Federal ID Number

Your Local Jurisdiction ID number is the account number you have with the City or County you are filing.  Your City of Tuscaloosa account number can be found as your Account ID on your City of Tuscaloosa business license or a City of Tuscaloosa tax form. 

If you can’t find your Local Jurisdiction ID number when you are filing on My Alabama Taxes for the City of Tuscaloosa, either use your LCL number the State assigned you or all zeros (ex. 000000)

Sales Tax, Use Tax, Rental Tangible Personal Property Tax, and/or Lodging Tax can be filed online on the State of Alabama’s website called My Alabama Taxes.  https://myalabamataxes.alabama.gov/

Tobacco Tax and Wine tax returns must be filed by submitting a paper return directly to the City of Tuscaloosa.

Yes.  A discount is allowed if the tax is paid on or before the 20^th day of the month in which the tax is due.  The sales tax discount consists of 5% on the first $100 of tax due and 2% of all tax over $100.  The monthly discount may not exceed $200.

Monthly.  Sales, Consumer and Seller’s Use, and Rental Tangible Personal Property taxes can sometimes be paid quarterly or annually depending on your business activities.  Contact the Revenue Division for assistance in determining your filing frequency.

If you file using My Alabama Taxes, you must use the same filing frequency as you do with the State of Alabama.

Use tax is traditionally the most confusing tax, and should be of particular interest to individuals and businesses engaged in construction, contracting, and services, but it is very likely that every person and business is subject to use tax to some degree.

Use tax, at the same rates as sales tax, becomes due when the user and consumer of taxable goods does not pay tax to the seller, or pays tax to an seller that is not registered to collect City of Tuscaloosa tax. Use tax is due on purchases made by Tuscaloosa residents and businesses from another city or state which are not taxed.

Generally, if you would be required to pay sales tax on goods purchased inside Tuscaloosa, but you purchase them outside Tuscaloosa and do not pay local sales tax, you are probably subject to use tax and must report and pay it to the city.

You are strongly encouraged to consult with your advisers or ask city representatives about how use tax applies to your activities. 

Yes. If you are set up to file taxes with the City of Tuscaloosa, a tax return is required even if you had zero gross receipts.

Businesses and individuals who have transactions in Tuscaloosa are responsible for reporting and paying applicable taxes directly to the City of Tuscaloosa. 

The City of Tuscaloosa administers the following taxes:

•  Sales Tax
• Consumer’s Use Tax
• Seller’s Use Tax
• Rental Tangible Personal Property Tax
• Lodging Tax
• Tobacco Tax
• Wholesale Wine Tax

Our physical address is:

      City of Tuscaloosa

      C/O Revenue Division

      2201 University Blvd

      Tuscaloosa, AL  35401

We accept the following payment types:

• Cash
• Check
• Money Order
• Cashier’s Check
• Debit/Credit Card
• Visa, Mastercard, or Discover only
• There is a service fee to use a debit/credit card

All individuals and entities having a city business license are required by law to keep records that clearly show all transactions subject to City business licenses and taxes.  This includes, but is not limited to, records showing:

• All income of the business, whether by cash, check, credit, or property
• Customer invoices establishing the delivery location of business merchandise and taxes collected
• Customer sales tax exemption documents, when applicable
• All banking activities
• All purchases by the business, whether by cash, check, credit, or property
• Invoices from vendors
• Payroll records
• Real and personal property owned by the business

Failure to keep proper records and make the available upon the City’s request constitutes a misdemeanor offense for which the City may issue a citation for observed violations.  You are strongly encouraged to consult with your advisors about the law’s requirements or contact the City for more information.  Retail businesses receiving primarily cash are especially encouraged to establish proper record-keeping procedures to avoid City penalties.

Complete a Business License & Tax application and return it to the Revenue Division for processing.  The completed form can be emailed to revenueoffice@tuscaloosa.com, mailed to the mailing address on the form, or brought into our office.  When your new tax account has been created, you will receive and email confirming your account number and filing requirement.

Please visit the Business License section of our website for more detailed information about a business license.  All new businesses will complete a Business License/Tax Application and return it to our office with a copy of the owner(s) driver’s license.  Based on the type of business you have there may be other requirements you must fulfill.

Any business or individual performing work of any kind in the City of Tuscaloosa or its jurisdiction needs to purchase a city business license.  All commercial and residential-based businesses operating in the City of Tuscaloosa or its jurisdiction are required to have a business license.  Please contact our office at revenueoffice@tuscaloosa.com or 205-248-5200 with any questions.

Sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) notices can be found at tuscaloosa.com/city-services/water/sewer.

Call the Tuscaloosa Police Department Lake Patrol at 205-349-0245.

Call the Lake Division Shop for removal at 205-349-0279.

Contact pumper of your choice. Make sure they are licensed in Tuscaloosa/Northport. Pumper will pump and inspect and will turn in a certification form into the Lake Division Office. Your tank will then be certified for three years.

Contact Lakes Division at 205-349-0279 for an appointment to meet on-site to look at area.

You need to bring a detailed drawing, material list and plat of property marked where the structure will go and meet with the Lake Division Inspector to obtain a structure permit. You may also call the Lakes Division at 205-349-0279.

Call the Water Office at 205-248-5500.

Call the Water Office at 205-248-5500.

Call Waste Water at 205-248-5900.

Call Tuscaloosa 311 by dialing 311 within city limits or 205-248-5311 if outside city limits. You may also call Distribution at 205-248-5942.

Call Tuscaloosa 311 by dialing 311 within city limits or 205-248-5311 if outside city limits. 

Call Tuscaloosa 311 by dialing 311 within city limits or 205-248-5311 if outside city limits. 

Call Tuscaloosa 311 by dialing 311 within city limits or 205-248-5311 if outside city limits.

Call Tuscaloosa 311 by dialing 311 within city limits or 205-248-5311 if outside city limits. You may also call Water Distribution at 205-248-5952. The Ed Love Plant 205-248-5630 will know if water from hydrant is a result of lines are being flushed.

Check the strainers on your faucet to make sure that there is no debris that may be restricting water flow. If the problem continues, call Water Distribution at 205-248-5952 or Tuscaloosa 311 by dialing 311 within city limits or 205-248-5311 if outside city limits.

Call Tuscaloosa 311 at 205-248-5311 or the Ed Love Plant at 205-248-5630 and someone will assess the problem.

Call Tuscaloosa 311 by dialing 311 within city limits or 205-248-5311 if outside city limits to make sure your bill has been paid. Call the Customer Service Office at 205-248-5500 to check your bill status if uncertain. If after hours, call the Ed Love Plant at 205-248-5630. There will be a $50 reconnection fee if water has been turned off for non-payment. If there is a break/leak in water line, call Water Distribution at 205-248-5952.

If bill payment issues are not the problem, someone will be dispatched to determine if City work or line maintenance issues have impacted water service. 

Check the gaskets and washer on faucets. The chlorine will cause the rubber washer to break down over a period of years. Do the same with commodes.

This is only to serve as a guide. Contact a professional for more information. 

Call Tuscaloosa 311 by dialing 311 within city limits or 205-248-5311 if outside city limits. You may also call the Ed Love Plant at 205-248-5630. Your hot water heater is set too high and precipitating the lime for PH control. Set water temp between 130-140 degrees maximum. Your hot water heater may need to be drained and flushed as well.

This is to serve only as a guide. Contact a professional for more information. 

First, determine if odor is coming from the water or your sink. There is a “P” trap under the sink that unscrews very easily. If there are food particles or other material present, clean out and place back on the drain. Pour small amount of bleach down drain and turn faucet on to rinse it down. If this does not remedy issue, call Tuscaloosa 311 by dialing 311 within city limits or 205-248-5311 if outside city limits. You may also call the Ed Love Plant at 205-248-5630.

Call Tuscaloosa 311 by dialing 311 within city limits or 205-248-5311 if outside city limits. You may also call the Ed Love Plant at 205-248-5630. Someone will be dispatched to help eliminate the issue.

Step 1: Cut off electricity to the heater if electric or cut gas off if gas heated.
Step 2: Hook a garden hose to the bib or faucet on the side of water tank.
Step 3: Run hose outside to drain and turn faucet on.
Step 4: Open pressure relief valve on top of line that runs down the side of hot water tank.
Step 5: Once tank has drained, turn the water back on for about 3-5 minutes to help settle any solids out.
Step 6: Take hose off and shut faucet.
Step 7: Turn electrical breaker back on or turn gas back on and light pilot lite by instructions on side of cover to tank.
Step 8: Refill and wait approximately one hour for tank to reheat.

Your water heater may be different. This is only to serve as a guide. Contact a professional if you feel yours may be different.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call the Office of the City Engineer at 205-248-5380.

Call the Office of the City Engineer at 205-248-5380.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Citizens and contractors need to call 205-248-5811 to have city sewer lines located.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Call Wastewater at 205-248-5900.

Customers can email ubcontact@tuscaloosa.com and include the following information: requested date of turn off, service address, account number, customer ID number, last four digits of the account holder's Social  Security number and a forwarding address for final billing. If customers do not have access to email, this request can also be made by phone at 205-248-5500.

Yes. We have posted forms on the City’s website that will allow customers to apply for a new account or transfer an existing account among other services. These forms and their instructions can be found at City Services Useful Forms.

To notify us that a previously-requested fire hydrant meter is no longer needed, fill out the Fire Hydrant Meter Removal or Relocation form found at City Services Useful Forms.

The form should be completed, signed and returned to ubcontact@tuscaloosa.com or hand delivered to the Business Office located at 2230 Sixth St. The form can also be obtained at the Business Office.

A permit is required to secure a hydrant meter. To apply for a hydrant meter permit, fill out the Fire Hydrant Meter Permit Application found at City Services Useful Forms.

This form should be completed, signed and returned to ubcontact@tuscaloosa.com or hand delivered to the Business Office located at 2230 Gary Fitts St. The form can also be obtained at the Business Office.

To provide documentation of this name change, submit the Name Change Agreement form found at City Services Useful Forms. When executed and placed on record with the Business Office, it will facilitate the desired name change.

The Name Change Agreement form can be completed at home or elsewhere, but it must be executed in the Water and Sewer Department in the Business Office at 2230 Gary Fitts St. since this is an affidavit and requires witnesses of the signatures. The form can also be obtained at the Business Office.

The Business Office has a Legal Statement form to provide documentation of this situation which when executed and placed on record with the Business Office frees the property tenants and/or owner from this liability. The Legal Statement form can be found at City Services Useful Forms.

This form can be completed at home or elsewhere but it must be executed in the Water and Sewer Department in the Business Office at 2230 Gary Fitts St. since this is an affidavit and requires witnesses of the signatures. The form can also be obtained at the Business Office.

The City has a leak relief policy that allows customers a one-time relief from an excessive bill provided they meet the minimum criteria outlined in the policy. The Leak Relief Application can be found at City Services Useful Forms.

This form can be completed at home or elsewhere, but it must be executed in the Water and Sewer Department in the Business Office at 2230 Gary Fitts St. since this is an affidavit and requires witnesses of the signatures. The form can also be obtained at the Business Office.

We have posted forms on the City’s website that will allow customers to make payments automatically through bank draft. Find the Automatic Bill Payment Option Forms and their instructions at City Services Useful Forms.

These forms should be completed with all attachments required, signed and returned to ubcontact@tuscaloosa.com or hand delivered to the Business Office located at 2230 Gary Fitts Street.

You may apply for a new account or transfer service of an existing account by completing the New Account form or Transfer Service form at City Services Useful Forms and emailing it to ubcontact@tuscaloosa.com. You may also request to open or transfer a water account in person at the Business Services Center in City Hall Annex III located at 2230 Gary Fitts St.

Customers who already have an account with us can pay bills (with no service charge), view their past 12 bills and review account usage information online at tuscaloosa.com/pay-water-bill.

You will need your account number and customer ID to utilize this service. If you don't have this information, email ubcontact@tuscaloosa.com with the account holder’s name and service address to request it.

Customers who already have an account with us can pay bills (with no service charge), view their past 12 bills and review account usage information online at tuscaloosa.com/pay-water-bill.

You will need your account number and customer ID to use this service. If you don't have this information, email ubcontact@tuscaloosa.com with the account holder’s name and service address to request it.

You may also call the Business Office at 205-248-5500.