Algood council approves budget adjustments, fireworks contract and audit services agreement

Algood — At its regular meeting the Algood City Council approved a set of routine but consequential items: a first reading of a fiscal-year budget amendment, a fireworks contract for the Let Freedom Ring show and a one-year audit-services agreement.

Budget amendment: Staff presented ordinance 71825 for first reading. The packet and staff cited several line adjustments, including $7,800 to the water/sewer fund; about $42,900 for retirement costs; and increases of roughly $25,000 in sanitation and repair lines, which together were described as a $92,900 adjustment to the general fund funded from fund balance. Staff said a $20,000 increase to fire-department grant revenue is offset by a $20,000 capital-outlay increase, resulting in a net-zero change. Council approved first reading on a unanimous voice/roll call.

Fireworks contract: Staff described an agreement for the Let Freedom Ring fireworks show with Marks Pops Incorporated. On the record staff stated an agreement amount of $112,000 with 50% due up front and 50% on the day of the show; during the motion a figure of $12,000 was mentioned on the floor. The council approved the motion to contract with Marks Pops; the record does not resolve the discrepancy between the two figures.

Audit services: The council approved an agreement with MG Group for FY25 audit services. Staff reported MG Group completed the FY24 audit with an unmodified (no-finding) report and proposed a maximum FY25 fee of $37,500, the same as last year; council approved the contract unanimously.

Other actions: The council approved routine items including suspension of readings for listed ordinances and acceptance of the previous meeting’s minutes. Staff recognized Roy Fips and Anna Walker for passing state requirements and receiving Certified Municipal Finance Officer certificates.

Votes at a glance: All recorded motions in the meeting passed by unanimous roll call of the four members present: Bilbury (yes), Williams (yes), Hawkins (yes) and Vice Mayor Hill (yes). The transcript records the approvals but does not provide a roll-call breakdown for every item beyond unanimous affirmative votes.

What happens next: The budget amendment proceeds through the ordinance process (first reading passed); staff will bring subsequent readings as required. The fireworks contract and audit services were approved and will be executed per contract terms reported at the meeting.