All municipal corporations may purchase school property or purchase lots and erect school buildings thereon for the use and benefit of the citizens of their respective towns or cities. For said purpose the town council or board of aldermen may levy a tax not exceeding one-fourth of one percent; provided, that the city or town tax shall not exceed the constitutional limitation. The town council or board of aldermen may purchase school property, from time to time, for the maintenance and improvement of such school property and the maintenance of public schools therein within the limits prescribed in this section. Any purchase of school property under the power granted in this section shall only be made by the majority vote of the town council or board of aldermen of such city or town and approved by the mayor.
Ala. Code § 11-47-13 (1975)