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Regular Meeting

Andalusia City Council Meeting

Expansive meeting approving a 6% cost-of-living raise for all city employees, a Heritage Park carousel, Robinson Park playground, Candyland budget, and first reading of Sunday alcohol sales.

Employee Raises Heritage Park Carousel Robinson Park Playground Candyland Budget Police Vehicles Sunday Alcohol Sales Recycling Contract
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Andalusia City Council Meeting

Date: November 18, 2025 Type: Regular Meeting

Summary

An expansive meeting celebrating youth achievement and authorizing significant capital improvements for city parks and recreation. The council also approved a competitive 6% cost-of-living wage increase for city employees and advanced the Sunday alcohol sales ordinance to second reading.

Key Decisions

Soccer Team Recognition — Council presented a resolution recognizing the Andalusia 2025 eight-under soccer All-Stars, state ARPA champions from the Gadsden tournament. Team members: Hank Atkins, Daniel Beasley, Harrington Ferrier, Remy Hines, Matt Kelly, Von Maynard, Chase Murphy, Mason Padgett, Landon Price, Landry Rigdon, Kenson Samuel, Parker Williamson. Coaches: Jody Beasley, Thomas Price, Russell Rigdon. The team defeated Fort Payne and Troy in tournament rounds before winning the championship 4-1 against Alexander City.

Resolution 2025-39: Cost-of-Living Adjustment for City Employees — Council unanimously approved a 6% cost-of-living wage increase for all city employees, totaling approximately $640,000 in additional annual payroll. Mayor emphasized this represents only 1.9% of the total city budget, allowing the city to both support employees amid inflation and remain fiscally responsible. Mayor noted this is one of the most competitive raises seen in the region.

Candyland Budget 2025 — Council approved the Chamber of Commerce Candyland operating budget of $121,103.58, including $12,000 in capital improvements for this year’s Christmas season.

Board Reappointments — Council reappointed Beth Woodard and Jimmy Black to the Andalusia Industrial Development Board, and Elizabeth Bennett to the Andalusia Public Library Board. Mayor praised board members’ service on these critical advisory bodies.

Resolution 2025-40: Heritage Park Carousel Bid — Council approved purchase of a carousel for Heritage Park from a California manufacturer, bid amount $569,000, funded from the 2022 Series A bond. The carousel features 39 seats, ADA-compliant design, a weather protection cover, and will include factory training for city staff on assembly, operation, and maintenance. Delivery expected in six to eight months. Mayor stressed ordering now is essential to open the park on schedule.

Resolution 2025-41: Heritage Park Site Improvements — Council approved $164,800 in improvements:

  • Sod (Huggins Sod Farm): $8,000
  • Hydro-seed (Holloway Land Solutions LLC): $26,800
  • Sprinkler system (J. Kelly Scapes and Designs): $45,000
  • Miscellaneous (topsoil, etc.): $10,000
  • Asphalt paving for running/bike track: $75,000

Funding from 2022 Series A bond account. Work includes both the large perimeter track and internal site amenities.

Resolution 2025-42: Robinson Park Playground Bid — Council approved purchase of new children’s playground equipment for Robinson Park from Strothers Recreation LLC, bid amount $585,651. Equipment includes ADA-accessible design; existing equipment to be removed. Funding partly from DECA grant.

Business License Hearing Continued — Hearing on Econo Lodge business license continued to January 20, 2026. Ongoing disputes over certain conduct at the property and personnel restrictions required continuation pending resolution or guarantees.

Resolution 2025-43: Emerald Coast Utilities Recycling Agreement — Council extended the recycling materials processing contract with Emerald Coast Utilities Authority. No changes to terms or payments; contract renewed on same basis as original agreement.

Resolution 2025-44: Police Vehicle Purchase — Council approved purchase of four police vehicles and equipment from Andalusia Ford for $183,082, plus $8,400 in additional outfitting ($2,100 per vehicle). Only local vendor to respond to bid. Mayor praised the city’s practice of supporting local business.

Ordinance 2025-04: Sunday Alcohol Sales (First Reading) — Council took first reading of ordinance permitting the sale of alcoholic beverages after 12 noon on Sundays, limited to currently-licensed retailers. Under Alabama law, ordinances require two readings before final vote. Second reading and vote scheduled for December 2 meeting.

Notable Themes

Economic Vitality — Council actions reflect investment in recreation (Heritage Park carousel, playground), employee retention (6% raises), and downtown business support (Candyland, local procurement).

Capital Planning — Major bond-funded projects advancing on schedule; Heritage Park approaching completion phase.

Community Recognition — Youth athletic achievement highlighted with formal resolution.

Action Items

  • Heritage Park improvements to proceed; carousel ordered for six to eight-month delivery
  • Robinson Park playground equipment procurement to begin
  • Police vehicle purchase contract with Andalusia Ford
  • Econo Lodge hearing scheduled for January 20
  • Ordinance 2025-04 to second reading December 2

Attendance

Mayor Earl V. Johnson and full council present. Council started late due to extended workshop discussion.

Next Meeting

December 2, 2025

Full Transcript

Transcript file is unavailable for this meeting.
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