ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — The city of Robertsdale will once again be operating with a surplus after approving the city’s 2017-18 fiscal year budget at its meeting Tuesday, Sept. 5 with projected revenues of almost $19 million.

Budget figures call for projected revenues of $18,838,594, down from $22,301,637 a year ago.

Last year, the city approved a $4.3 million upgrade to the city’s electrical system, and just over $4 million in bond revenue was added to the city’s 2016-17 budget, bringing the city’s electrical revenue to $13,487,000, compared to a projected $9,112,000 for 2017-18.

Likewise, expenses for 2017-18 are down from $20,249,662 to $16,949,951 with debt expenses, bonds and loans totaling $1,834,106 for a total surplus of $72,537.

Expenses for the electrical department went from $11,656,415 in 2016-17 to $6,718,055 for a projected surplus of $2,393,055, that is a balance increase from $1,830,585 for 2016-17.

This will balance a deficit of $1,339,223 in the city’s general fund with projected expenses of $7,299,508, up from $5,766,287 a year ago, and revenues projected at $6,483,9033, down from $6,600,335 last year.

There is a projected $583,364 surplus in the water department with expenses of $827,721 and revenues of $1,411,085, along with a $299,117 surplus in the sewer department, with projected revenues of $1,686,606 and expenses of $1,387,469. The city’s gas department will operate with a deficit of $48,561 ($145,000 in projected revenues with projected expenses of $193,561).

“I want to commend everyone for their hard work,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Joe Kitchens in making the motion to adopt the budget, “and we look forward to working together for Robertsdale in the coming year.”

In other business Sept. 5, the council:

•Approved renewal of the press box banner at J.D. Sellars Stadium at a cost of $450.

•Approved a donation to the Robertsdale High School band of $2,500.

•Voted to surplus several items for the Public Works Department.

•Voted to provide sponsorship for a radio broadcast of RHS football games, an expense of $500.

•Purchased property on St. Paul Street adjacent to the Robertsdale Fire Station for use as football and soccer fields.

•Adopted a resolution amending an agreement with the Baldwin County Commission to change the city’s territorial planning jurisdiction.