City keeping close eye on expenses, mayor tells council

Demopolis’ City Council took care of a handful of items in a 30-minute meeting Thursday evening at Rooster Hall.

Mayor Mike Grayson reported to the council that expenses are in line for the year, and revenues are ahead of projections. He said the the city’s finances are still in good shape for the year, but added, “We are cutting it close. Our department heads are aware of the need to watch expenses.”

A large loan payment in May resulted in expenses exceeding revenues by approximately half a million dollars for the month, but the mayor reiterated that the budget is in line for the year.

The council approved a Back to School Sales Tax Holiday Aug. 1-3. Demopolis has participated in the event for a number of years, the mayor noted.

In other action, the council granted approval for the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce to host Freedom on the River July 4, and for the Bethel Rock Church youth to hold a fund-raiser on Pettus and Cedar Streets.