• 43°

Districts to get new look

By Staff
Mississippi firm will receive $27k for work
Thomas Tingle
Record Managing Editor
The Madison City Council has hired Oxford, Miss. based Bridge and Slaughter to redraw the district lines for the city.
The council has agreed to pay the firm up to $27,000 to do the work – which includes a redistricting plan and map.
Mayor Jan Wells said following the growth of Madison from 1990-2000, the city grew by 98 percent during those 10 years, therefore, drastically changing the residential makeup of the seven city council districts within the city limits.
The last redistricting was done after the 1990 census figures were made available to go into effect with the next elected governing body, which was in Oct. 1992. The 1990 census figure showed Madison with 14,792 residents. The 2000 census figure showed Madison with 29,329 residents. Two years since the census figures were released, Madison's population has continued to grow to more than 30,000 residents.
"Since the next municipal election cycle starts one year prior to the 2004 municipal elections, the redistricting plan must be approved and in place by Aug. 2003," Wells said. "The council has agreed that this issue must be pursued to reflect the best interests of the residents."
As an example of the need for redistricting, the mayor said District 7, under the leadership of Councilman Bob Wagner, is more than three times larger in population numbers than most of the current districts.
According to Madison Community Department Director Bob Atallo, in 1990, each district had between 2,000 to 2,300 people. Since then, some districts have grown tremendously.
"As law requires, all of the city districts must be reapportioned to accurately reflect the population levels within the areas of the city that have been developed over the past 10 years," Wells said. "This will allow for a more balanced representation of the city council within each individual council district."
"Redistricting is simply dividing the city into seven equal districts," Atallo said. "As a small city, we use what is called block level data from the census – that is, the census divides the city into small geographic areas used by the census and can vary in size from 10 or so to 200 or more people. The city assembles the blocks into seven more-or-less equal districts."
"I believe that it is in the city's best interest to pursue the method which offers the public an unbiased reapportionment plan based on an accurate reflection of the city's population and the city boundaries," Wells said. "Once complete, the reapportioned district plan should be presented to the public for its view and comments before being finalized."
Atallo said today, a software program could produce a first draft in a matter of hours.
"That's just the first step," Atallo said. "The districts have to conform to a lot of state and federal regulations and that is where the committee or consultant comes in."
Atallo said redistricting in Alabama is subject to review by the U.S. Justice Department for compliance with the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The city of Madison is also subject to a lawsuit that was settled in 1988, Dillard vs. Crenshaw County Alabama, that placed certain obligations on the city.
"It is unclear to me how these will play into our 2004 redistricting effort, which is another reason why we should have a consultant," Atallo said.
In looking at Madison today, a lot of residential development is under way in the western part of the city – off County Line Road. Back in 1990 when redistricting was done then, Atallo said the area east of Hughes Road and between Madison Pike and U.S. Highway 72 was the fastest growing part of the city. He said there was very little west of Wall-Triana Highway.
"Our current population is estimated at about 32,000. Without any rezoning or residential annexations, our potential population is 45,000 to 50,000," Atallo said. "That makes us about 65 to 70 percent built out," Atallo said.
Atallo said if the city continues to build 500 houses per year (which is average for recent years), Madison should be built out by 2015.
"This assumes no further residential annexations, no rezoning, or no significant economic problems," Atallo said. "However, as land gets scarcer and therefore, more expensive, the rate of growth will probably slow somewhat. No city is ever completely built out in my opinion though – there is always redevelopment, infill development, etc. Developers can be extremely creative in identifying new areas for development without annexations.
Mayor Wells said she'd like to see the redistricting process completed and a plan submitted for final approval by Jan. 1, 2003.

Bob Jones High School

James Clemens students foster social connections in age of social media

Bob Jones High School

Smith’s 20 gives Lady Patriots a chance with unbeaten Hazel Green

Madison

Madison Academy falls short of state title, ends amazing season as Class 3A runner-up

FRONT PAGE FEATURED

Rocket City Marathon Set For This Weekend

Bob Jones High School

Bob Jones Girls Basketball Headed To The “Valley Of The Sun”

Events

This Sunday: Madison Roundhouse Open House and Madison City Community Orchestra Christmas Concert

Events

Madison Christmas Parade to boost season’s charm this Saturday

James Clemens High School

James Clemens soccer standout bounces back from injury and signs with Michigan State

Lifestyles

‘Tis the Season for Citrus

Madison

Different generations share talents at Senior Center

Madison

‘Enjoy the journey’: Madison Academy coach looking for another state championship

Digital Version

Digital version of The Madison Record – Dec. 6, 2023

Madison

‘Adopt a Hero’ to give a Christmas stocking to first-responders

Madison

Pre-K educators discuss registration, curriculum and parent’s ‘homework’

Bob Jones High School

Messiah Lutheran’s Ring and Sing Concert set for Dec. 10

Bob Jones High School

HEALS mobile clinic schedules weekly visits to Madison schools

Bob Jones High School

Sparkman girls best Bob Jones in OT thriller

Events

Lessons & Carols: Asbury Church to present the annual tradition this Sunday

Digital Version

Check out the December issue of Madison Living Magazine

Events

Madison Polar Express Christmas Trees lightening and Wassail Fest to kick off city’s holiday events tonight

Harvest

‘Christmas Time with The Beasley Brothers’ concert slated at James Clemens on Dec. 9

Digital Version

Digital version of The Madison Record – Nov. 29, 2023

Events

Mayor Finley: Celebrate the Season in the City of Madison

Events

Huntsville Ballet’s 60th Season continues with The Nutcracker performed with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra

x