FOLEY, Ala. — “Right now, a toll road in Foley is not imminent.”

Foley Mayor John Koniar spoke those words at Foley Civic Center Tuesday while giving a state-of-the-city address at the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Luncheon.

“There’s been some question about a toll booth coming to (County Road) 20,” he told the audience. “ALDOT has backed off from looking at our part of Beach Express.”

Instead, the mayor said, the state is considering a bridge project in Gulf Shores.

However, Koniar added, the possibility of the state’s returning to the idea is not out of question, regardless of whether the city attempts to intervene.

“ALDOT can do what they want to,” he said.

In an effort to prevent that from happening, Koniar told the audience, U.S. Congressman Jo Bonner has been consulted on the issue.

“Congressman Bonner said he believes that road was built with federal funds and ALDOT can’t do it (turn County Road 20 into a toll road),” the mayor said. “He’s looking into it.”

Also Tuesday, Koniar reported that Foley’s financial situation was positive, pointing out that sales-tax revenue has  spiked 2.1 percent higher than this time last year. Plus, he expects that to rise higher as tourist season kicks in.

“I’m optimistic about the summer,” he said.

In addition, Koniar told the audience that the city has recouped $1.8 million lost in the BP oil spill.

“We did a lot better than most people did after the spill,” the mayor said.

Koniar also reported that the city government has taken in $500,000 more revenue than expected and has had $234,000 less expenses than anticipated.

“We are in good, good shape,” he said.

Koniar added that the same could be said for the city’s crime rate, which has dropped from 1,189 incidents in 2006 to a current annual record of 546.

“The city’s crime rate has been heading in a pretty good direction,” he said.

The mayor also reported that within that same span of time, library patronage has increased from 8,999 to 18,391 — 104.36 percent. He credited Foley Library Director Steve Horn with that increase, implementing such programs as the library’s new mobile app, computers, audio and e-books and a dog-reading program that enables children to read to a dog.

“It’s not the mayor reading with them,” Koniar joked.

On the economic scene, the mayor reported an increase of more than 260 new jobs within the city over the last year, with a number of new businesses opening in that time.

“It’s an ongoing event,” Koniar said.

Among those businesses, he said, has been the addition of Fortis College, which currently has 140 students enrolled.

“Fortis College has been a real asset,” Koniar said.

The mayor told Tuesday’s audience that future growth is expected in Foley.

“Icon Motors is leasing a 12,000-foot facility,” Koniar said, “and Fred’s Grocery and Drug Store is getting ready to open on the north end of town and create 40 jobs.”

He also said the city is looking at bringing a $10 million multi-use facility to Foley.

“We’re looking at mainly youth sports,” Koniar said.

Following more reports, the mayor commented on the upbeat presentation.

“We’ve got a lot going on that’s positive,” Koniar said. “We are going to grow even stronger.”

During a question-and-answer session that followed the address, an audience member asked about Koniar’s plan for an additional term.

“We’ve heard a lot of rumors that you’re running for mayor,” he said. “We want to hear you say you’re running for mayor.”

“I am running for mayor,” Koniar said.