Foley Council OK’s 2015 budget

By CATHY HIGGINS Onlooker Editor onlooker@gulfcoastnewspapers.com
Posted 9/8/14

FOLEY, Ala. — The city of Foley’s 2015 budget is all set.

That’s because during its regular meeting last week, the Foley City Council approved the fiscal year’s financial plan, which included the execution of several capital-improvement …

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Foley Council OK’s 2015 budget

Posted

FOLEY, Ala. — The city of Foley’s 2015 budget is all set.

That’s because during its regular meeting last week, the Foley City Council approved the fiscal year’s financial plan, which included the execution of several capital-improvement projects in the coming months.

“The citizens of Foley are going to see a lot of work going on in the next few months,” Foley City Administrator Mike Thompson said.

That will include the expansion of Pride Drive and the addition of Foley Dog Park and more parking downtown, among others.

According to Thompson, the city should take in approximately $4 million more revenue than last year. However, expenses are expected to only increase by $1.3 million.

“We’re very fortunate,” he said.

The budget published on the city’s website indicates that the city’s general fund balance indicates an estimated $27.1 million revenue and $24.8 million in expenses.

Thompson added that the 2015 budget prepares for new undertakings.

“It anticipates debts we would incur the next few years for sports marketing,” he said.

Thompson pointed out that 41 percent of the city’s budget is dedicated to employee salaries.

“Which is average,” he said.

As for city departments, the budget allows for the following:

n Engineering — $360,847

n Marketing/Welcome Center — $536,774

n Horticulture — $410,897

n Economic Development — $364,417

n Sports Tourism — $478,124

n IT/GIS — $5578,199

The city leaders commended Thompson and his staff for their work on the budget.

“It’s a good job,” Councilman Ralph Hellmich said.

To view the city’s 2015 budget, visit CityofFoley.org.