ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — While there are no layoffs in the immediate future, Robertsdale mayor Charles H. Murphy says there will be some belt-tightening ahead for the city.

“There will be no gifts to employees this year,” said Murphy, adding that normally the employees receive a chair or umbrella at the annual Christmas party. While other communities have canceled their holiday meals for employees, the Robertsdale employees’ Christmas lunch will be prepared by the Robertsdale Volunteer Fire Department. The proceeds from the $16 a plate lunch will go to a project for the community, according to the minutes of the Dec. 1 meeting.

Members of the City Council also usually receive a small gift at the December workshop meeting, but that practice was halted this year.

“We are still able to pay our bills,” said Murphy. “We have no plans for layoffs, but we are not hiring.”

Murphy added that the city has “six or seven” fewer employees than it did this time last year. Remaining employees have to take on additional responsibilities. He estimated that the city had 89 employees, with a payroll around $300,000 per year.

One of the things keeping Robertsdale afloat is that the city receives the proceeds from local utilities and not just sales tax, Murphy added.

“The utility department is what’s kept us up,” he said.

Another economic indicator will come at the end of January.

“At the end of January we will see the business licenses come in and we will know more.” continued Murphy, adding that the city had budgeted those fees bringing in around $384,000

One bright spot is that there are a number of new “living units” built in Robertsdale

“That makes us sell electricity,” joked council member Paul Hollingsworth.

Murphy agreed, adding, “In 2009, we are going to keep things as level as we can.”

Murphy added that his administration and the council realized the economy would sour and “started pulling back” about two years ago.

“Except for the wastewater plant and the water tank, we have really cut back,” Murphy said, He added that those projects would increase the city’s capacity for growth and stand in good stead when more prosperous times come.