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The Valley Grande City Council approved its $1.3 million budget for the 2024 Fiscal Year on Monday.

Two weeks before the fiscal year begins on Oct. 1, Mayor Wayne Labbe and city council members Kay Davidson, Bruce Hughes, Sara Day, Jane Harris, Robbie Rose approved the budget at the council’s Monday meeting.

The city budget is over $1 million for the fourth straight year. Three years ago, it was $1.04 million and $1.1 million in 2022. Last year, it was $1.175 million.

Labbe said the 15% increase in income and expenditure shows a balanced budget.

Total sales tax accounts for $891,000 of the budget. Other sales tax is totaled at $465,000. The Sellers Use Tax is at $380,000. Tobacco tax revenue is at $13,500. Other taxes are gas tax revenue ($6,500), consumer use tax ($11,000), rental tax ($8,000) and tag and titles ($6,500).

Valley Grande put $415,000 aside for public safety. For administration, payroll is set at $90,000. The Mayor and Council salaries are set at $33,600. Payroll expense is set at $20,000.

Other budget highlights include Alabama Power Company License Fees ($150,000) and Parks and Recreation payroll ($30,000).

Labbe thanked the city council and City Clerk and Treasurer Kim Harris for putting the FY 2024 Budget. Discussions began at the previous city council meeting.