🌱 Second Bureau Office Change Costs Taxpayers + Montgomery Ambulance

Hey, everybody! It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town today.

---

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: A t-storm around in the a.m.. High: 86 Low: 60.
• Sunday: Cloudy, a shower and t-storm. High: 77 Low: 63.

---

Are you tired of blending in with all the other real estate agents in Montgomery? Stand out with a premium sponsorship in our newsletter. Gain valuable exposure for yourself to our highly engaged local readership. Click here to learn more about this exclusive opportunity.

---

Here are the top three stories today in Montgomery:

1. The proposed 2023 General Fund Budget now includes $650,000 for the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles to move offices yet again. The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles is moving its offices back to downtown Montgomery after moving to a smaller, more expensive office in east Montgomery in 2019. All in all, the two moves will cost taxpayers more than a million dollars. (AL Reporter)
2. When one of Montgomery's two private ambulance services is unavailable, Montgomery Fire/Rescue (M F/R) can now charge patients for transport to a hospital. On Mar. 21, Montgomery City Council unanimously voted to amend the section of the city's ambulance ordinance that regulates the billing process. Due to a lack of paramedics and understaffed hospitals, M F/R has been helping transport patients without financial compensation, but now that the ordinance has been amended, the M F/R can charge for the transport service and recoup the costs of transportation while helping the overworked ambulance services. (Montgomery Independent)
3. The City of Montgomery has postponed its "All Things New: This Side of the Bridge" celebration until Sunday, Apr. 30 due to the threat of severe weather on Mar. 26. The celebration will still take place at the Riverwalk Amphitheater, and gates will open at 4 p.m. (City of Montgomery via Twitter)

---

From our sponsor:

Looking for something new to watch? Get fresh recommendations delivered straight to your inbox with the Likewise What to Watch newsletter! Their personalized recommendations are driven by what real people are watching and recommending, so you can trust that you're getting the best suggestions. Sign up now for free!

---

Today and tomorrow in Montgomery:

Saturday, March 25

• 2023 Montgomery Alabama Indian Artifact Show At Alcazar Shriners (8:00 AM)
• Zoo Weekend At Montgomery Zoo / Mann Museum (9:00 AM)

Sunday, March 26

• Paul, Andrew, And Guests Live At Pour Stars (3:00 PM)

---

From my notebook:

• The City of Montgomery's Department of Cultural Affairs is hosting a free family movie night on Friday, Mar. 31! Watch the movie "Hop" starting at 7 p.m. at Blount Cultural Park. (City of Montgomery)
• Montgomery Humane Society Adoptable Pets has 11 heeler puppies that are only four months old and need to go to foster homes for a few weeks! The puppies need a safe place to go, away from the dangers of kennel cough and parvovirus, until the vaccines build immunity. Help save these precious lives and apply to foster here. (Montgomery Humane Society Adoptable Pets via Facebook)
• The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum is hiring! There are multiple entry-level openings in the Service Maintenance and Recreation Aide positions. Those interested can apply in person at the zoo's front gate admissions gate. (Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum via Facebook)

---

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. I'll see you around!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!