Falkville Councilman Matt Stiles has earned the professional designation of certified municipal official (CMO) after completing 40 credit hours of training conducted by the Alabama League of Municipalities (ALM).

A third term councilman, Stiles was a member of the 17th graduating class of 50 CMO’. He and his classmates were recognized for their accomplishments during graduation ceremonies held in Montgomery on Aug. 9.

The continuing education program for elected municipal officials was created in 1994 by ALM, under the direction of its Executive Committee. Its mission was to complete a cycle of training for municipal officials and employees. Until the time, no formal training was offered. A series of one-day training programs was designed for mayors and council members who voluntarily wish to receive formal training in municipal government.

Falkville Councilman Matt Stiles holds a plaque he received after completing 40 credit hour of training conducted by the Alabama League of Municipalities and earning the designation of certified municipal official. His wife Rene stands by his side at the presentation ceremony. | Special to the Enquirer

Stiles received classroom training in subjects such as council meeting procedures, parliamentary procedures, 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.

“All CMO graduates spend many hours over several years attending workshops and lectures on the finer points of municipal government,” said Ken Smith, executive director of the Alabama League of Municipalities. “Earning the CMO designation is a significant achievement, and I commend our graduates for their dedication and motivation to become a better informed, more effective municipal official.”