Andalusia City Council Meeting
Date: August 5, 2025 Type: Regular Meeting
Summary
A substantive mid-summer meeting addressing election procedures, transportation funding, airport leadership, community safety programs, and an independent police accreditation achievement. Includes the 2024 financial audit review showing strong fiscal health.
Key Decisions
Resolution 2025-26: Election Personnel and Pay — Council appointed election personnel to conduct the August 26, 2025 municipal election at the Kiwanis Center (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Positions included chief inspector, inspector, assistant inspector, machine operators, and assistant clerks—each compensated at $200. City Administrator noted all appointees are qualified electors with significant election experience.
Resolution 2025-27: Transportation Plan — Rebuild Alabama Act — Council adopted the state Rebuild Alabama Act (Act 219) transportation plan. The act distributes gasoline and road tax revenue to municipalities based on population. Andalusia must maintain separate accounting and restrict spending to road resurfacing, bridge improvements, and related infrastructure work. Adoption is required to receive allocated funds.
Airport Authority Appointment — Council reappointed Mike Holloway to the South Alabama Regional Airport Authority (representing Andalusia’s appointee position). Mayor noted Holloway’s importance as the only pilot serving on the board’s four-member body, which also includes appointees from the City of Opp, Covington County Commission, and a tri-city appointment.
Gun and Knife Show Business License Waiver — Council waived business license requirements for vendors participating in the 42nd Annual Gun and Knife Show (sponsored by the South Alabama Gun Club at the Kiwanis Center). The show offers training and safety programs for adults and children; the city found administrative costs of collecting small individual licenses would exceed revenue.
2024 Audited Financial Statements Accepted — Council officially accepted the 2024 audited financial statements. Auditor Missy Pierce (Rayburn, Edo, and Pearson Hayes) presented key metrics:
- Total revenues: $27,281,000
- Capital asset expenditures: $6,587,000
- Sales tax revenue increase: $194,000 over prior year
- Year-end cash balance: $29,002,000 (restricted and unrestricted combined)
- Net position: $45,618,000 (increase of $493,850 year-over-year)
- Assessment: “Very good report” indicating sound financial operations
Mayor emphasized the net position (city’s total assets minus liabilities) demonstrates fiscal health equivalent to retained earnings in a business context.
Bravo Package Store Liquor License Approved — Council approved an Alabama Beverage Control Board lounge retail license for Bravo Investments, LLC (trade name: Bravo Package Store 16 on Sanford Road). Vote: 4-1 with one abstention. Police Department had previously approved.
Resolution 2025-25: Property Abatement — Council unanimously approved nuisance property abatement for 10 properties with photographic documentation:
- 315 King Street
- 605 Carlton Street
- 804 Evergreen Street
- 805 Stallworth Street
- 205 Stallworth Street
- 417 Montgomery Street
- 407 Montgomery Street
- 306 Stanley Avenue
- 1000 Snowden Drive
- 623 Church Street
Properties documented for excessive weeds, grass, debris.
Court System Job Classifications Amended (HR2025-001) — Council approved salary upgrades for court personnel:
- Court Clerk: Grade 8 to Grade 9
- Clerk Magistrate: Grade 5 to Grade 6
Budget already accommodates increased salary costs for the fiscal year.
Notable Recognition
Andalusia Police Department Accreditation — Chief presented a certificate of accreditation from the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police, making Andalusia’s police department one of the first three in the state to receive this new accreditation. The certification, valid for five years, recognizes the department’s commitment to progressive standards and professional excellence. Chief expressed gratitude to his staff and noted the city had never previously been certified due to lack of an available accreditation program.
Administrative Notes
July Jams Announcement — Mayor invited community to July Jams concert series, third event of the year, scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m. at Springdale Estate (free admission; food and beverage trucks available).
Attendance
Mayor Earl V. Johnson and full council present. Police Chief, City Administrator, and Auditor present for presentations.
Next Meeting
August 19, 2025