Leaders from across Lee County and Smiths Station came together for a wide-ranging town hall meeting, highlighting major progress in infrastructure, public safety, education, and economic development, while also outlining ambitious plans for the future.
Officials described the meeting as a rare opportunity to bring multiple agencies into one room, offering residents a comprehensive look at how local government entities are working together to support rapid growth in District 3 and surrounding areas.
Collaboration Driving Growth
Lee County Commissioner Jeff Drury emphasized that coordination between agencies is key to addressing infrastructure needs and improving services.
“Let’s start working together,” Drury said. “We can do a lot more for District 3 if we’re all on the same page.”
He pointed to ongoing coordination between the county, city, utilities, and emergency services as critical to avoiding costly delays and improving project efficiency.
One example is the planned resurfacing of Lee Road 242 (Lamb Road), where the county, city, and water authority are working together to align roadwork with underground utility upgrades.
Infrastructure Investments and Expansion
Leaders highlighted millions of dollars in ongoing and planned infrastructure projects.
The Smiths Station Water and Sewer Authority alone has invested more than $22 million over the past several years, with additional large-scale projects on the horizon.
Among them:
- An $8.5 million sewer expansion along the U.S. 280 corridor
- A proposed $5.1 million extension toward the flea market area
Officials say those projects are designed to support commercial growth and reduce the need for residents to travel outside the area for goods and services.
“When you leave, you’re spending your tax dollars somewhere else,” one official said. “We want to capture that here.”
Public Safety: Training, Technology, and Staffing
Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones reaffirmed that public safety remains the county’s top priority.
“It is our first priority, our middle priority, and our last priority,” Jones said.
The sheriff’s office is currently undergoing a $5 million communications upgrade, transitioning from outdated analog systems to modern digital platforms that will allow seamless communication with surrounding agencies.
Jones also highlighted:
- Advanced leadership training, including FBI National Academy graduates
- A new local training facility for deputies
- Plans to expand the county jail, which is currently operating above capacity
“If we don’t have public safety, the growth you’re hearing about doesn’t work,” he said.
Fire Department Sees Major Improvements
Smiths Station Fire Chief Blake Green reported dramatic improvements in emergency response over the past three years.
The department reduced its missed call rate from 33% in 2022 to less than 1% in 2025, thanks to increased staffing, restored ambulance services, and stronger partnerships.
The department now provides 24/7 coverage with full-time staff, supported by part-time personnel and volunteers.
“Our goal is to get that number to zero,” Green said.
Education Reaches Record Highs
Lee County Schools Superintendent Mike Howard announced that the district achieved its highest-ever report card score of 87, crediting teachers and staff for improved academic performance.
Highlights include:
- All Smiths Station schools earning Purple Star certification for military family support
- Expansion of STEM, robotics, and coding programs
- A 172% increase in reading growth at the junior high level
- Growth in arts and athletics programs
The district is also launching a centralized pre-K program and exploring a regional workforce development center to provide hands-on training in fields like construction, HVAC, and public safety.
“If we can pull this off, our students are going to have a state-of-the-art workforce development center,” Howard said.
City Projects and Economic Development
Smiths Station Mayor Richard Cooley highlighted continued investment in public safety and quality-of-life projects.
A new $2.4 million storm shelter, funded largely through FEMA, is already in use, though final federal approvals are still pending.
The city has also:
- Completed a new dog park with grant funding
- Continued paving and road improvement projects despite rising asphalt costs
- Secured funding partnerships for infrastructure upgrades
Cooley also announced several new businesses coming to the area, including restaurants such as Waffle House, and other developments, signaling continued economic growth.
Bringing Services Closer to Residents
A major upcoming project is the planned Smiths Station Annex, a county facility that would centralize services such as:
- Tag and tax offices
- Probate services
- Court services
- Sheriff’s office presence
Leaders say the goal is to reduce the need for residents to travel to Opelika for routine services.
Looking Ahead
Across all presentations, one theme remained consistent: growth is coming and local leaders are working to stay ahead of it.
From infrastructure and public safety to education and economic development, officials say collaboration will be key to ensuring Smiths Station and Lee County continue to thrive.
“There’s a lot going on,” Drury said. “But in the end, we’re all trying to head in the same direction.”
