Mobile County Commissioner Calls Out City of Mobile Over Unpaid Rent at Government Plaza

Mobile, AL (BuzzReport)– A county official has publicly disclosed that the City of Mobile has failed to meet its lease obligations for space in Government Plaza, a county‑owned building, for the months of October and November. The escalation of the dispute could lead to legal action and a reevaluation of the city’s use of the facility.

Mobile County Commissioner Randall Dueitt raised the issue during Monday’s commission meeting, stating that the county could no longer overlook the city’s arrears. He noted that the last payment received from the city covered the September rent, submitted in October, and that subsequent rent, along with associated utility charges for power and water, remains outstanding.

Dueitt emphasized that if the county were a private landlord, the city would already have been served with a notice to vacate and an eviction letter. He added that the county’s legal counsel, Attorney Jay Ross, has repeatedly reached out to the city’s attorney to ascertain whether the municipality intends to settle the debt or relocate its operations. Ross reportedly indicated that the county will no longer continue to subsidize the city’s utility costs without compensation.

Commissioner Connie Hudson described the situation as unacceptable, arguing that a similar lapse would not be tolerated if the city owned the building in question. She highlighted the city’s disregard for communication from the county, calling the behavior a “insult to injury.”

According to Ross, the city was informed in June of a scheduled rent increase, accompanied by a detailed justification report. The most recent correspondence from county officials occurred in September, after which the city has not responded. Prior to the adjustment, the lease required a monthly payment of $125,000. Effective October 1, 2025, the rent rose to $237,022.17 for the 10,774 square‑foot space, reflecting the county’s revised valuation of the premises.

Commission President Merceria Ludgood instructed the commission’s attorney to notify Mayor Kenny Cheriogotis directly. She underscored that the mayor, who assumed office only thirty days ago, should not be held accountable for any shortcomings or decisions made by his predecessor.

The county’s inability to collect the rent and utility fees has placed a strain on its budget, prompting officials to consider formal eviction proceedings if the city does not remit payment promptly. The dispute also raises broader questions about intergovernmental agreements and the mechanisms in place for ensuring accountability between neighboring jurisdictions.

County officials have indicated that a follow‑up meeting will be scheduled within the next two weeks to determine the next steps, which may include filing a suit for breach of contract or negotiating a revised lease arrangement. The city’s response, if any, is expected to be delivered through its legal counsel before that deadline.

The ongoing stalemate underscores the challenges of municipal cooperation and the financial pressures facing local governments in the region. As both entities navigate the impasse, residents and taxpayers await resolution that safeguards public resources while maintaining essential services housed within Government Plaza.