Andalusia council approves Chick‑fil‑A development deal, rebating 2% of city sales tax for five years

The Andalusia City Council on Tuesday approved a development agreement with Chick‑fil‑A that will rebate 2% of the city’s portion of sales tax generated by the restaurant for five years.

Mayor: "I recommend that we adopt the resolution which will rebate 2% of the sales tax, rate to Chick fil A for 5 years," the mayor said as he introduced Resolution 2026‑11 and urged adoption under an existing constitutional provision.

The agreement was introduced during the meeting by Michelle Gerlach, the city’s information director, who described how Covington County’s youth leadership program helped recruit the company. Gerlach said the students collected more than 2,100 letters encouraging Chick‑fil‑A to locate in Andalusia. "Every year, it is our great honor to host Covington County's youth leadership program..." Gerlach told the council.

A student spokesperson, Bridal Douglas, spoke in support of the project and the youth program’s role. "CCYL is an important part of developing the future generations of Andalusia's leaders," Douglas said.

Council members moved and seconded the measure and the council voted to adopt the resolution. The mayor noted that the rebate is structured under applicable state constitutional provisions that allow certain local sales‑tax rebates.

Nut graf: The measure clears the way for Chick‑fil‑A to open in Andalusia under a five‑year, 2% city sales‑tax rebate; city officials credited a local youth leadership campaign for helping persuade the company to choose the site.

The agreement does not change state or county tax shares; the mayor said other state and county sales tax will continue to be collected. The council did not discuss a specific opening date or the store’s site plan during the public portion of the meeting.

The council approved the resolution and adjourned other business to follow the meeting.