Councilmembers Nathan Fank and Thomas Miller of Prattville have earned the professional designation of Certified Municipal Official after completing 40 credit hours of training conducted or endorsed by the Alabama League of Municipalities. Councilmembers Fank and Miller were recognized for their accomplishments during graduation ceremonies held in Montgomery on August 10, 2010 and are members of the 15th graduating class of Certified Municipal Officials.

The training program for elected municipal officials was begun in 1994 by the Alabama League of Municipalities, under the direction of its Executive Committee, to complete the cycle of training for municipal officials and employees. Until that time, no formal training had been offered for elected officials. The Executive Committee instituted a series of one-day continuing education programs designed especially for mayors and councilmembers who voluntarily wish to receive formal training in municipal government.

Because of their attendance at statewide and regional educational conferences, Councilmembers Fank and Miller have received formal classroom training in subjects such as council meeting procedures, parliamentary procedure, the Open Meetings Act, public records, ordinance drafting, conflicts of interest, the State Ethics Law, duties of the mayor and council, tort liability, the competitive bid law, zoning and planning, annexation, municipal regulatory powers, municipal revenues and expenditures, personnel actions and leadership development.

“The citizens of Prattville should be extremely proud of Councilmembers Fank and Miller for their achievements by completing the elected officials training program,” said Perry Roquemore, Jr., Executive Director of the League of Municipalities. “They spent many hours during the last several years attending day-long workshops and lectures on the finer points of municipal government and are to be commended for their motivation to become better municipal officials and for their diligent attendance during these training sessions.”

The Alabama League of Municipalities was organized in 1935 and has served since that time as the recognized voice of the cities and towns in Alabama. Through the years, the organization has steadily grown and now serves more than 440 municipalities.This voluntary membership brings officials of cities and towns together in fellowship of public service – which strengthens and guides local government in a progressive, responsible fashion. The primary purpose of the League is to promote understanding of municipal government and administration in Alabama and thereby advance the welfare of the people of this state.

(Photo shows Councilmember Nathan Fank with his designation award. Councilmember Dr. Miller was unable to be present.)