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Decatur/Morgan County: Newcomer Information
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| Area Maps |
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| Schools |
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With more than 8,000 students, Decatur has two high schools, three middle schools, and 12 elementary schools. Decatur began the application process this school year to bring the elite International Baccalaureate Programs to its system. Decatur and Austin High School are seeking to offer IB’s Diploma honors program for their juniors and seniors. With more than 7,000 students, the Morgan County school system has 14 schools located across the county. Decatur and Morgan County schools consistently rank among the top in the state in funding, scholastic aptitude and achievement.
With more than 9,000 students, Calhoun Community College is the largest in the state’s junior college system. The college is in the middle of an unprecedented construction program. The process technology degree is a two-year program that requires technical and general education courses. Junior colleges and four-year universities abound in the area. Nearby Wallace State Community College in Hanceville also offers two-year degrees and career certificates as does Calhoun. Students may receive four-year and advanced degrees at nearby Athens State University, Alabama A&M University at Huntsville, the University of Alabama at Huntsville and the University of North Alabama in Florence.
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| Housing/Real Estate |
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| Morgan County and Decatur realtors say the market has continued to be strong, even when most of the nation was suffering from a tight economy. Decatur attracts many new residents to this area because realtors can offer a wide variety of prices, neighborhoods, and style of houses. From new subdivisions to turn-of-the-century homes in historic neighborhoods, realtors say the demand for housing remains strong in the $90,000 to $150,000 range, but many homes are being offered and purchased at $250,000 and above. Decatur Building Department records show a continuing pattern of building growth, both residential and industrial.
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| Taxes |
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Sales Tax
Decatur 9% (4% city, 1% county, 4% state)
Morgan County 7% (3% county, 4% state)
Property Tax Millage
Decatur: 0453. Morgan County: 0374 (excluding urban areas)
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| Utilities |
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| Gas, water and wastewater – Decatur Utilities, a city-owned and operated utility company on Central Parkway, Southwest, provide service for Decatur. A residential deposit may be required. Please call Customer Service at (256) 552-1400 for additional information. Joe Wheeler Electric Membership Co-op also supplies electricity to some outlying areas. New service connection fee is $100, which can be waived with a letter of credit from a previous utility.
The Public Works Department provides one garbage cart for once a week pickup for household garbage through the sanitation department. Leaf pick-up programs run from October through February which are picked-up by vacuum trucks at curbside. Boxes, discarded appliances and other debris should be placed next to your garbage cart for collection on the same day. Private contractors provide commercial garbage service. For information about yard waste (green matter only) or carts, call the Public Works Department at (256) 351-7760.
BellSouth provides service for the Decatur area. For information, refer to the customer guide in the telephone director or call (256) 557-6500.
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| License & Registration |
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| Upon becoming a resident of Alabama a person 16 years old or older has 30 days to get an Alabama driver’s license. A written exam and driving test may be required: the fee is $5. Driver’s license fee is $23. A learner’s permit is available for 15-year-olds and is valid only when a parent or driving instructor accompanies the learner. Test Fee is $5. Learner’s Permit fee is $23. I.D. Card fee is $23. The office is in Morgan County Courthouse. Phone (256) 351-4666.
Upon moving to the state, a person has 30 days to get an Alabama license tag. Residential tags (mobile homes) are renewed January through October, and residents have a one-month grace period after their tag expires. The tags are available at the Commissioner of Licenses office in the Morgan County Courthouse. Phone (256) 351-4770.
The Board of Registrars is at the Morgan County Courthouse. Requirements: at least 18 years old, United States citizen; proof of naturalization; Social Security number; must not be declared mentally incompetent; must have had civil rights restored if convicted of a felony; must take an oath administered by a registrar. There is no minimum amount of time you must have lived in Morgan County, but you must be registered at least 10 days before an election to vote in that election. Phone (256) 351-4660.
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