Recent U.S. Census figures show the county grew by almost 30,000 people since 2000. Revenue has kept up with that pace, and so has spending. County and city governments have added public safety buildings, libraries, water and sewer systems, fire departments, community buildings and even a new city hall in Chelsea.

And that's just the beginning, officials say.

Shelby County's comprehensive plan explains the importance of providing adequate public services in the fastest-growing county in Alabama.

"Unless we can provide adequate public facilities, growth either takes undesirable forms or does not occur at all," the plan states.

"Roads and highways link our communities to the outside world and define its internal circulation. Parks, schools and recreation areas become gathering places and activity centers. The arrangement and interconnectivity of roads, sewer and water lines define the patterns of growth and the locations of major centers of private activity."

'Ahead of budget':

Even in cities without massive revenue increases, improvements to public services are in the works.

"Our revenue is not up that much, certainly not like our neighbors, but we are running ahead of budget," said Helena Mayor Charles "Sonny" Penhale.

The city is planning a $1.5 million community building in its sports complex off Ruffin Road. It will contain basketball courts, a balcony walking track, a kitchen, dining and meeting rooms, a temporary stage and collapsible bleachers.

Montevallo, which is just beginning a residential growth spurt, will open a 12,400-square-foot library-theater complex this summer. The Parnell Memorial Library and Theater is costing $2.6 million to build.

"Right now we are looking at the end of July," said Amy Feger, administrative assistant to the mayor. "Unfortunately, we have been postponed a few times. We are all excited to get in there. This is a major improvement (over the current library) in terms of the facility and the space."

Attracting developers:

So far, the investments are working. The city has 43 subdivisions under construction and has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the county. Mayor Earl Niven said additional revenue will allow the city to plan projects such as a new fire station on U.S. 280. With Wal-Mart Supercenter expected to open next year, more revenue is on its way.

"It's exciting when you think that our budget has gone from $500,000 in 2000 to $3 million now," Niven said. "Our budget will probably push $4 million next year, and that's with us being on the conservative side."

The larger cities of Pelham and Alabaster have been taking on major projects for years, with more planned for the near future.

One of the biggest is a new public safety building in Pelham, which will contain the Police Department, courtrooms and city jail. Its cost is expected to exceed $7.5 million, with more than $1 million used to equip the new police station. Construction of the three-story, 42,000-square-foot building should be complete this fall.

Alabaster and Shelby County have spent, and will continue to spend, millions just keeping up with infrastructure needs such as water and sewer. Roads are another thing that cannot be overlooked, said Butch Burbage, the county's finance director.

"When you are looking at expenditures, look at the highway department," he said. "We have to coordinate the expansion of county roads. That's the type of expenditures we see associated with the growth."