Retailers continue to express interest in locating in Andalusia, City Administrator John Thompson told the Andalusia City Council last week.
“I can confirm that the Jackson brothers, who own the Shoppes of Covington, have secured a new tenant for the space formerly occupied by Big Lots,” Thompson said. “They aren’t ready to make the announcement, but I can say it is a national grocery.”
Thompson also told the council he had met earlier that day with Wintzell’s Oyster House, which has locations in Greenville and Montgomery.
“They were fine with me sharing the information that they are considering Andalusia as their next location,” he said. “We feel like there is a high degree of probability of that working out.”
He also noted that Wintzell’s extensive menu includes several items featuring Conecuh Sausage, which will soon be manufactured in Andalusia.
Thompson’s comments came on the heels of the auditors’ presentation.
Missy Pierce, CPA, and Gail Hayes, CPA, from Rabren, Odom, Pierce and Hayes, P.C. presented a draft of the city’s audited financials for fiscal year 2024 to the Andalusia City Council.
The audit showed that sales taxes, which are the city’s primary source of income, increased by $194,587 in 2024, which represents a $4.8 million growth in local retail sales. The city’s total sales tax revenue in 2024 was $12.2 million.
A portion of that revenue is reserved for local schools.
“Building our local retail economy helps us develop the city, and provides funding for services and amenities provided by the city,” Thompson said.
CITY IMPROVES FINANCIAL POSITION FOR 10TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
The City of Andalusia increased its net position for the 10th consecutive year, the city’s audit for the fiscal year ending in 2024 showed.
Missy Pierce, CPA, and Gail Hayes, CPA, from Rabren, Odom, Pierce and Hayes, P.C. presented a draft of the city’s audited financials for fiscal year 2024 to the Andalusia City Council last week. The auditors reported no findings.
“This is the best report we can give,” Pierce said.
Pierce said the City of Andalusia increased its net position, which was $45,618,516 at September 30, 2024, by $493,516, as compared to FY 2023.
“In the non-government world, that would be called retained earnings,” she said, adding that it includes monies set aside for education and bond payments, and monies that are restricted for use for street paving and the courts.
Other highlights of the audit included:
• The City’s income generated from taxes, program revenues, and transfers in was $27,281,737. This is an increase of approximately $1,587,725 over the prior year.
• The City’s largest single source of revenue, sales and use tax, increased approximately $194,587 from the prior year, resulting in revenues of $12,226,108 for fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.
• The City reduced its long-term debt by $2.6 million in FY 2024.
Long-term debt on September 30, 2024 was $46,172,462. This includes:
-- Andalusia City Schools’ 2018 Bonds, $6,045,000, and 2019 Bonds, $5,020,000;
--South Alabama Regional Airport Authority’s 2016B Bonds, $3,125,237; and
--The Industrial Development Board’s 2019A Revenue Bonds, $4,635,000.
The remaining debt of $27,347,225 is the city's general obligation bonds and note payables.
• The City’s governmental activities debt to income ratio for the year was approximately 16.7%. Pierce said this is a very healthy percentage, adding that 50 percent or higher is cause for concern, and 30 percent or lower is considered healthy.
• The City reported capital outlays of $6,587,994. These projects included:
-The Andalusia High School Sidewalk project;
-City-wide street paving
-Prestwood Building 1st floor renovation;
-Police, street and maintenance department vehicles; and
-New land fill cell addition.
The City also had several projects in progress at September 30, 2024
Pierce said the auditors’ report is “unmodified,” which is the best that can be given.
Pierce explained to the council that the auditors’ work is detailed.
“We come in and spend a week going through all kinds of records that we request,” she said. “Then we go back to the office and spend several more weeks going through them to put together the evidence we need to support the document presented here today.”
“The city continues to improve its strong financial position,” Mayor Earl Johnson said. “This is great news for the city, and it is because of the guidance of the council and the contributions of everyone who works for the city.”
John Thompson, city administrator, said the audit reflects a months-long process.
“They really dig into every aspect of the city’s finances,” he said.
The council is expected to officially adopt the financial statement at its next meeting, set for August 4.
Andalusia will again mark the Fourth of July holiday with a parade and a fireworks show on Friday, July 4.
The Old Three Notch Chapter of the DAR will hold its annual Fourth of July Parade Friday morning at 10.
Everyone is welcome to don their red, white and blue and join the fun. There will be floats, golf carts, bicycles and walkers.
There is no fee to enter, and no pre-registration is required. Line-up is in the parking lot of First Baptist Church beginning at 9 a.m.
The parade will roll at 10 a.m., and will travel from First Baptist down East Three Notch, circle the Square and circle back to the church on Tisdale Street.
That evening, FiftyFive South will return by popular demand to the stage at the Kiwanis Fairgrounds for the City of Andalusia’s Fourth of July celebration.
There will be bouncy houses and a water slide for the kids, as well as free watermelon. There also will be concessions on site.
The gates open at 5:30 p.m. and live music begins at 6 p.m. The fireworks show begins at dusk.
The Andalusia Police Department became one of the first Alabama departments to be officially accredited by the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police.
Greenville Police Chief Justin Lovvorn, who serves as vice president of the association, presented the official certification to Mayor Earl Johnson and Andalusia Chief Paul Hudson Tuesday night.
The certificate of accreditation says the department has “demonstrated its commitment to police excellence by living up to the progressive standards to ensure that police services are delivered within the community at the highest level of professionalism and integrity.”
Lovvorn said Andalusia is one of the first departments to receive the five-year accreditation.
Hudson, who chaired the AACOP committee that developed accreditation standards, said to receive the five-year accreditation, a department’s policies must be audited.
The City of Andalusia will be closed on Friday, July 4, 2025, in observance of the holiday.
Friday's garbage routes will be picked up on Monday, July 7, along with Monday's routes. Please have hobos out early.