Ala. Code § 45-37A-52.196
No action or proceeding, civil or criminal, pending at the time of the adoption of the mayor-council form of government, brought by or against the city or any office, department, or agency or officer thereof, shall be affected or abated by the adoption of the mayor-council form of government or by anything therein contained in this part; but all such actions or proceedings may be continued notwithstanding that functions, powers, and duties of any office, department, or agency or officer party thereto may be or under this part be assigned or transferred to another office, department, or agency or officer, but in that event the same may be prosecuted or defended by the head of the office, department, or agency to which such functions, powers, and duties have been assigned or transferred by or under this part.
Ala. Code § 45-37A-52.196 (1975)