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If approved, raises would begin in 2025

Members of the Andalusia City Council and mayor could receive a pay increase with the next administration.

A first reading on an ordinance to hike the elected officials compensation was held during a city council meeting on Wednesday. The council could vote on the measure after the second reading at its next meeting.

According to Mayor Earl Johnson, the last pay increase was in 2018 with prior increases approved in 2007 and 1997. If approved, the pay increase would set the salaries for the 2025-2029 term of office.

The ordinance would increase the salary of the mayor by $875 per month. Currently, the mayor earns $5,625 per month.

Members of the council would receive an increase of $163 per month, if the measure passes. They are currently paid $812 per month. In addition, council members can receive an additional $225 per month upon completion of the Alabama League of Municipalities’ certification program. The ordinance would increase that amount to $250 per month.

In other action:

• the city approved declaring surplus a piece of property that was then approved to be traded with John Taylor of Taylor Real Estate. In exchange, Taylor is providing to the city a larger piece of property he owns. The side-by-side properties are situated across Tisdale Street from the future Heritage Park location. Mayor Johnson described the property declared surplus and traded as unusable by the city, but will add to the private owners’ property. The city’s is providing Taylor Real Estate .068 acres of land while the city is receiving .6 acres.
• the council held a first reading on the rezoning of a property on River Falls Street, near Chickasaw and Choctaw streets. The request changes the property from R3 to B3, allowing a propane and rental equipment business to expand with a storefront. The council will hold a second reading at its next meeting and could vote on the request.
• the council approved a bid of $195,000 from Wyatt Sasser for the replacement of windows at the police department building. City officials said the windows are as old as the downtown structure, having never been replaced. Funds for the project will come from a bond issue.
• the council re-appointed the mayor, along with Councilman Terry Powell, and City Administrator John Thompson as members on the city’s Capital Cooperative District Board.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, 6 p.m. at city hall. A work session precedes at 5:30 p.m.