COVID-19, Featured, Public Safety
State of Emergency – Updated May 05, 2020
Mayor Kenneth Gulley and the Bessemer City Council
State of Emergency - UPDATED May 05, 2020
Today, by order of Mayor Kenneth Gulley and the Bessemer City Council, The STATE OF EMERGENCY due to COVID-19 in the City of Bessemer has been extended through 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2020 by decree of the Bessemer City Council at the request of Mayor Kenneth Gulley. All city buildings are closed to the public during this time. In addition, Governor Kay Ivey has issued a mandated Safer-in-Place order for the entire state through 5 p.m. on May 15.
City Buildings will open to the public on Monday, May 18, 2020. However, persons entering a city building on and after May 18 will be required to wear a facemask until further notice.
Please note some of the following guidelines as it relates to city operations during the State of Emergency:
Bessemer City Hall
City Hall is closed to the public. Offices based out of City Hall include Building Inspections, Finance and Revenue, Information Technology and Economic and Community Development. Please call City Hall at
205-424-4060 during this time to speak with department representatives regarding specific needs.
Bessemer City Council meetings
The City Council Planning Session scheduled for May 12 has been postponed until May 19 at 9 a.m.
Bessemer Utilities
Customers of Bessemer Utilities can use the drive-thru at the Utility offices, 1600 First Avenue North, but are strongly encouraged to pay their bills by mail, online service or by phone. The pay by phone number is (844) 549-0405. Paying by phone is free.
The public is strongly encouraged to pay their utility bills by credit card or check. The use of cash payments is strongly discouraged but will be accepted.
Recreation Center
The Bessemer Recreation Center will remain closed until further guidance is received from the State of Alabama Health Officer.
City Parks
City parks will operate between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. through May 15. Outdoor activities of walking, hiking, biking, or running are permissible in parks provided individuals maintain social distancing.
The use of playgrounds, basketball courts and sports that require participants to be within 6 feet is prohibited. Individuals found in violation of these requirements can be subject to a $500 fine.
Municipal Court
Due to the Alabama Supreme Court Order suspending all public court hearings, the Bessemer Municipal Court will suspend proceedings during this time. However, persons set on payment dockets can make their payments at the payment window at 23 15th Street North. The public is strongly encouraged to pay by credit card or check.
Payments can also be made by calling 1-877-591-8761 (myfinepayment.com) or 1-844-400-8880 (ncourt.com)
Bessemer Civic Center
The Civic Center will remain closed until further notice, due to regulations limiting gatherings of 10 or more persons. For events scheduled during this time, please call 205-424-7469 for more information.
Public Improvements
Garbage and trash collection and right-of-way maintenance operations will continue. However, office staff will be limited during this time. Please be patient when calling this department.
Animal Control
The city of Bessemer’s Animal Control is currently under a Priority One pickup services at the request of the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. This means Animal Control will only respond to high priority/emergency animal control complaints. High priority pickups will include law enforcement assistance, injured or sick stray animals, cruelty and neglect complaints, bite complaints, and dangerous and aggressive dog complaints.
Frank House Municipal Golf Course
The Frank House Municipal Golf Course shall remain open but under social distancing restrictions. The Banquet facility in the Clubhouse is closed.
Bessemer Storm Shelter
The Shelter will operate under normal emergency procedures in the event of a Tornado Watch or Warning issued for Jefferson County.
