Hartselle City Council adopted a $13,324,230 general fund budget for FY 2020-21, with projected revenue surpassing estimated expenses totaling $12,367.499.55 at a regular meeting on Sept. 8.  

Revenue over expense totaled $956,730.53, and carryover revenue from the 2019-20 budget, which was projected at $405,000, was included. Expenses under budget for 2019-20 are projected at $800,000.  

A separate capital improvement budget totaling $5,699,520.71 was also approved. It includes $2,100,000 for renovations to the new city hall buildings; $981,000 for the Mapco project road construction, which would be funded from the sale of the property; $649,700 for a new fire engine; $171,718 for three new police vehicles; and $260,000 for a new garbage truck, as well as other equipment for city departments. 

“I feel like we had a good year,” said Mayor Randy Garrison. “Sales and use tax revenue is running ahead of last year, and we only used a 5 percent increase over this year’s budgeted numbers in preparing the new budget.” 

Councilman Dwight Tankersley thanked the mayor and city clerk-controller Rita Lee for the long hours and dedication they devoted to the budget’s preparation. 

The council also: 

–authorized the mayor to enter into a professional services agreement with Garver LLC to design improvements at the intersection of Highway 31 and Vaughn Bridge Road at a cost of $116,809. 

–approved the renewal of an annual agreement with Morgan County Emergency Management Communications District to provide dispatch services for Hartselle Police Department for $5,939.06 per month and Hartselle Fire and Rescue for $747.71 per month. 

–approved a new/updated job description for the systems administrator.