BERLIN, Ala. – The Berlin Town Council on Monday, Sept. 16, passed a $1.9 million 2025 budget, including projected expenses from the Town’s three funds and with $846,200 carried over from the 2024 budget. In addition to carried-over funds, the budget projects $1,295,200 in revenues. Despite high numbers and big ticket projects, the budget still predicts an end-of-year surplus of $185,200.
Big projected expenses include:
- $550,000 for the Town’s park and recreation project, plus $55,000 for architectural services and engineering related to the project
- $300,000 for road work on Mt. Carmel Drive
- $90,000 for payroll and related personnel expenses
- $75,000 for road work on County Roads 1612 and 1614
Recognizing Town Clerk Keirstyn Montgomery’s recent completion of her last government accounting certification, and noting that state regulations will require clerks at her tenure to be paid at least $58,000 in the coming year unless the Town tracks overtime, the council voted to raise her salary to $60,000. As of the end of this farmers market season, she will be at town hall five days per week, and the Town will seek an assistant manager for the market next year.
Mayor Patrick Bates announced that the Town received a $5,000 state Resource Conservation and Development grant to help pay for handicap-accessible restrooms. The council had previously decided to hold off on that project, but on Monday determined to renew its plans, voting to secure architectural services for the farmers market and park from Birmingham-based CCR Architecture and Interiors.
The council also voted to purchase a battery backup unit for town hall in the amount of $1,500.
The Berlin Town Council meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at Berlin Town Hall. The public is invited to attend.
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