The Calera City Council is set to consider a resolution on Monday, Nov. 2, that would formally condemn remarks made by Mayor Kenny Dale Cost. If approved, the measure would put the council’s disapproval on the record without removing him from office or imposing any other penalty.
The push comes after an Oct. 26 council meeting, when Cost addressed the controversy and residents raised concerns about his conduct. Resolution R-2026-61, introduced by Council President Drew Bradshaw, says the mayor recently made remarks the council considers racially insensitive, inappropriate and out of step with the values expected of public officials.
The proposed resolution goes further, saying such remarks can hurt people, weaken confidence in municipal leadership and divide a community. It says elected officials are entrusted with representing all residents and are expected to act with integrity, professionalism, fairness and respect.
That is where the council’s response meets its limit. Under Alabama law, members cannot remove the mayor from office or declare his position vacant, so the formal condemnation would be the strongest action available to them. The resolution also says racially insensitive, discriminatory or derogatory remarks have no place in Calera’s municipal leadership or government operations.
The controversy centers on allegations about statements Cost reportedly made while acting in a private capacity, outside his official duties. The city earlier acknowledged the allegations while distancing municipal government from any remarks made personally by the mayor. On Monday, the council will decide whether to make that distance official in writing.
