The mission of the Finance Department of the City of Vestavia Hills is to govern financial activities of the City including financial accounting of City funds.

The Finance Department is directed by Melvin Turner, III and is responsible for:

• The collection and disbursement of all city funds along with maintenance of accurate records that detail all city transactions.

• Implementation of the city's investment policy for all cash reserves.

• Personnel records and employee benefit issues.

• Risk Management activities

When And How Do I Obtain A City Of Vestavia Hills Business License?

Section 2 of Ordinance Number 2202 requires that every person, firm, company or corporation engaged in any of the businesses, occupations, professions, trades, exhibitions or vocations shall apply for and procure a license prior to conducting any business within the corporate limits of the city. Questions can be directed to Frank J. Seagrist, Jr., Business License Clerk at (205) 978-0102.

The application form for a business license, or a copy of Ordinance Number 2202 (Business License Code) may be obtained directly from this web page by clicking on the link of your choice: FORM.... ORDINANCE. Alternatively, contact Frank J. Seagrist, Jr., the Business License Clerk, (205) 978-0102.

PLEASE NOTE: Contractors, subcontractors, commercial landscapers, etc., should obtain license applications from The City of Vestavia Hills Building Safety Department web page.

How Often Do I Need To Renew My Vestavia Hills Business License?

Section 3(d), Page 7, Ordinance 2202 : Annual Renewal.

Business licenses shall be renewed annually on or before the 31st day of January each year.

(i) If the due date for payment of any business license falls on a weekend or a holiday recognized by the municipality from time to time, the due date shall automatically be extended until the next business day.

(ii) Insurance company annual license renewals shall be renewed in accordance with Section 11-51-122 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, which states that each year, each insurance company shall furnish the municipality a statement in writing duly certified showing the full and true amount of gross premiums received during the preceding year and shall accompany such statement with the amount of license tax due according to the licensing schedule. Failure to furnish such statement or to pay such sum shall subject the company and its agents to those penalties as prescribed for doing business without a license as provided for in the municipal code.

How Do I File Sales And Use Taxes?

Sales and use taxes are collected through Alatax [(800) 556-7274]. Information concerning the filing of Sales and Use taxes can be obtained online through Alatax or by contacting Melody Ross-Salter , the Assistant City Treasurer. Her phone number is (205) 978-0127.

When Are Taxes Due?

All taxes, such as sales tax, liquor tax and wine tax are due on or before the 20th day of the month following the month in which the tax accrues.

Do I need a permit for garage sales and yard sales?

Yes. Permits are available through the Finance Department, Monday through Friday. Please, contact Frank J. Seagrist, Jr., the Business License Clerk, at (205) 978-0102. The cost of a permit is $5.00 and must be obtained prior to the sale.

Can I obtain car tags, automobile titles and driver’s licenses at City Hall?

No. Jefferson County car tags, automobile titles, boat tags/titles and driver’s licenses can be obtained from the Jefferson County Courthouse Southern Satellite Building located at 813 Green Springs Highway, Homewood, AL 35209. Questions can be directed to their general information number: (205) 916-2720

I need a copy of the City Budget. Where can I obtain a copy?

Copies of the budget of the City of Vestavia Hills for a current fiscal year may be obtained through Melody Ross-Salter, the Assistant City Treasurer. Her phone number is (205) 978-0127. You can also print and/or download the current overview copy from this web site by clicking HERE. Note that Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to access and work with this document.

What is the ad valorem millage rate for real property located within the City of Vestavia Hills and how can the property tax be computed?

Jefferson County is responsible for assessing and collecting ad valorem taxes for real and personal property in the City of Vestavia Hills. Questions regarding tax assessment should be directed to:

Questions regarding tax collection should be directed to:

Ad valorem taxes are calculated based on the current millage rate. In this example we will use a millage rate of 0.0926 ($92.60 for each $1,000 of the assessed property value).

Here is an example of the computation of annual tax on an owner occupied home, located within the corporate limits of Vestavia Hills, using the following, additional assumptions:

• Fair Market Value of the home: $100,000
• Current "Assessed Value" equals 10% of Fair Market Value

The Assessed Value: $100,000x0.1=$10,000

Tax Due: ($10,000/1000)x92.6=$926

To this amount a Storm Water Fee is added. From this amount, the Homestead Exemption will be deducted, if the homeowner is eligible has applied for the exemption.

You may now pay your ad valorem taxes over the Internet. To learn more about Jefferson County services and to pay your property taxes, visit the County's Web Site

I want to open a restaurant in the City of Vestavia Hills. How to I submit application for an alcohol license?

Applications for an alcohol license must be presented to the Vestavia Hills City Council. Application must first be made to the State of Alabama ABC Enforcement Division located at 211 Summit Parkway, Homewood, AL 35209, phone (205)-942-7955.

Paperwork completed by the ABC Enforcement Division should be brought to the Office of the City Clerk in Vestavia Hills. The applicant must then fill out an application from the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and the Alabama Department of Public Safety. A copy of this application can be obtained from this web site by clicking on the following link: alcohol license application or by contacting the City Clerk's Office. The completed application will be forward to the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and the Alabama Department of Public Safety for evaluation, and then presented to the City Council. The City Council will make the final determination whether to grant or deny an Alcohol License. Following approval by the City Council, the owner must complete license through ABC Enforcement and then proceed through the regular business licensing procedure of the City.

I Have Sold Merchandise Or Services To The City. How Do I Get Paid?

Please, submit your invoice or bill (complete with purchase order number) to: Accounts Payable, PO Box 660854, Vestavia Hills, Alabama 36266-0854.

Every effort is taken to process payables in an efficient and timely manner. Anyone requesting information on an invoice should contact the Accounts Payables Clerk, Rita C. Hosmer at (205) 978-0126. In order to assist us in answering your questions, please have the invoice number, purchase order number and any other identifying information available before contacting this department.

The following forms and ordinances are available from the City Clerks office in the Municipal Complex at 513 Montgomery Highway, or you can print or download the form or ordinance directly from this web site. Simply click the PDF icon to the right of the form title.

To access a searchable database containing all City Ordinances presently codified, click HERE