Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Andalusia City Council last week approved a budget for fiscal year 2025.

The budget forecasts total revenue of about $28 million while expenses will be approximately $27.5 million. The capital improvement fund is budgeted at $1.24 million with over $200,000 available for contingency.

“I remember when revenue for the city was about $6 million; the city has had tremendous growth over the past 20 years,” said Councilman Terry Powell.

The city’s expenses are up about 5 percent, primarily to cover employee pay increases.

Also during last week’s meeting, the council approved two properties to be rezoned. The first is located at 1103 River Falls St. and will be rezoned from residential (R3) to commercial (B3). The second property rezoned is located at 1508 E. Three Notch and will change from residential (R1) to commercial (B1).

Other items discussed included:

• approving a payment of $40,000 for work performed in the renovation of the Andalusia Fire Department;
• approving a payment of $100,000 for materials and labor costs involved with the construction of Heritage Park. The money will be paid from the city’s 2022 Series A Bond;
• declaring three properties as nuisance for weed abatement. The properties included in the motion are: 317 Packer Ave., 806 Whatley St., and 405 S. Cotton St;
• approving a rate increase for garbage and landfill fees. The monthly household rate for garbage and trash collection increased from $20 to $25 per month per wheeled container. For more on this item, see the Sept. 7 edition of the Star-News or on andalusiastarnews.com; and
• approving the FY23 audit. For more on this item, see the Sept. 7 edition of the Star-News or by clicking here.

The next meeting of the city council is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 17, with a work session at 5:30 p.m. with the regular meeting to begin at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.