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The Andalusia City Council last week approved a $25.07 million budget for the fiscal year ending 2023, which begins on Oct. 1.

Mayor Earl Johnson told council members that city officials took a conservative approach in developing the budget.

“We are budging revenue at the current fiscal year’s actual revenue,” the mayor said, adding that there has been consistent growth in Andalusia’s sales tax receipts each year, which totals a 30 percent growth over the last eight years. Year to date, local sales tax collections are up approximately 7 percent over last year.

The new budget includes pay increases approved in the current fiscal year for first responders and public works.

“You will recall that department by department, we have approved pay increases where we are getting work done with fewer employees,” Johnson said. “This includes the police department, fire department and public works.”

Expenses for the coming year include an approximately $1 million increase in debt services, based on the council’s goal of working aggressively to reduce the city’s long-term debt.

“Outside of these two significant items, we are projecting only a 3.6 percent increase in expenses,” the mayor said. “As a council, you have challenged our department heads to keep expenses down, and they continue to do that. I think you’ll agree that this is a modest increase when we consider current inflation levels.”

The budget was unanimously approved.

In other business, the council:

• Accepted a bid of $145,389 from Kone, Inc., to replace the elevator in the Andalusia Public Library.
• Accepted a low bid of $434,675 from Marty Robbins Roofing Co., Inc., of Dothan, to make roof repairs on four city-owned buildings, including the Andalusia Police Department at 102 Opp Avenue; Andalusia Farmers Market at 256 Historic Central Street; 206-210 South Cotton Street; and 222 South Cotton Street.
• Appointed Chase Shelnutt to the City Recreation Board.
• Appointed Bobby Johns to the Board of Zoning Adjustments.