SPANISH FORT, Ala.—The City Council held a special, early-morning work session Friday to go over the second draft of the city’s budget.

City officials discussed funding for a proposed community center, which would include a senior-citizens facility, a library and council chambers. The city has set aside  $900,000 to go toward an expected $75,000 monthly payment for the next four years. The money is through a municpal tax-free bond program, Mayor Joe Bonner said.

The complex’s expected, total cost is $3 million.

The need for the city to have its own place to hold city council meetings, voting and hold court hearings becomes a higher priority since

The Gathering Place already has a master plan laid out for the facility in the future. The city currently rents the space from Spanish Fort United Methodist Church.

The police department could receive a total of $239,500. The department expects to hire five officers as more apartments in the city become closer to opening. Of the original total, $35,500 of the money will pay for the officers’ guns, equipment, computers, accessories and uniforms. Three sets of police spikes for the department are expected to cost $1,500.

The city also plans to set aside $56,200 for education, which may include $15,000 for smart boards at Rockwell Elementary, $11,600  for cameras at Spanish Fort Elementary, $15,000 for band instruments at Spanish Fort High School and $14,600 for LCD projectors at Spanish Fort Middle School.

In recreation, $37,000 is being considered for organized sports. About $12,000 has been set aside for summer camps if the city has them, Bonner said.

Also discussed was the need to get players’ park fees down from about $125—the current cost—to around $85, city officials said.

The need for a fence around the soccer field at Spanish Fort High School and hurdles for the track each come at an expected $5,000 each, Bonner said.

City officials have yet to finalize the budget, therefore all figures are tentative at this time. 

“I think that we’re very close,” Bonner said.

The City Council will vote on the final budget at the first or second council meeting this month, Bonner said.