Ala. Code § 11-43B-2

An election for mayor and members of the city council shall be held on the second Tuesday in July, 1986, with a runoff, if necessary, on the third Tuesday next thereafter. Upon the qualification and assumption of office of the council and mayor on the first Monday in October, 1986, the municipality shall be deemed to have adopted the form of government as herein provided. The municipality shall thereafter be governed by the form of government provided under this chapter.