Alabama Code Title 45. Local Laws § 45-42-162.09

The mayor shall preside at the meetings of the commission and shall be recognized as the head of the municipal government for all ceremonial purposes and by the Governor for purpose of military law. A mayor pro tem shall be elected from the membership by a majority vote of the commission at its first meeting following its election. The mayor pro tem shall act as mayor during the absence or disability of the mayor. Any vacancy in the office of the mayor shall be filled by the mayor pro tem. Any vacancies on the commission shall be filled by the commission at a meeting of the commission within 30 days following the date of the vacancy. The election of a new commissioner shall require the affirmative vote of at least five members. A vacancy in one of the district commission seats shall be filled by a person who shall reside within the district from whence the vacancy arose.