ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Beginning Oct, 1, residents of the city of Robertsdale can expect a 10 percent increase in their utility bill because of an increase in Alabama Power’s rates for the city going up from 7 cents per killowatt hour to 8 cents. Business owners who use less than 2,000 kilowatt hours will not see an increase, but those who use more than 2,000 kilowatt hours will see a 17.65 percent increase from 6.8 cents to 8 cents.

Industrial demand charges will also go up from $6.08 per kilowatt hour to $6.69 per kilowatt hour and those companies who use less than 20,000 kwh will see a 10 percent increase while those who use more than 20,000 kwh will see a 13.64 percent increase.

These utility rate increases will be reflected on the November bills, City Financial Officer Ann Simpson said, but also noted Robertsdale residents pay the least amount for electric service than any other cities in the county. Also added will be a $250 charge for anyone tampering with a meter.

These items and many more were discussed at the Robertsdale City Council meeting on Tuesday afternoon as the City passed a motion to approve their 2011 Budget.

With total revenues of $14,416,070 and total expenses of $13,026,328, that gives the City a total surplus of $1,389,742 for 2011. Councilman Hollingsworth commended the City for staying in the black and coming up with an excellent budget.

“We’ve gone through some hard, tough times but we’ve done a great job and I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished,” Hollingsworth said.

Broken down into five different areas of General Government, Electrical, Gas, Water and Sewer, the budget only shows a deficit in the area of General Government of $1,318,046 and in Gas of $66,020, while Electrical shows $1,985,446, Water shows $658,804 and Sewer shows $129,558 surpluses.

Debt expenses for loans and bonds total $1,225,003 which gives a net balance of $164.739, according to the budget. Loan expenses come from a trash truck, back hoe and excavator, all of which will be paid off in December, April and June.

Deficits in General Government are attributed to a $100,000 Daycare expansion of a new building and $70,000 for the Fiber Optic special project of the Police Department.

Other changes in General Government include a $50,000 reduction in revenue for Fines and Municipal Court Costs. “People are not working and not able to pay the fines. They are opting to go to jail instead because they have no money to pay for tickets, “ Simpson said.

The Jail Fund gained $80.000 in revenue because the Police Department transferred $60,000 for two patrol cars and $20,000 for a transport van. The vehicles will be ordered in November or December and will take possession in February or March,” PD officials said.

The Street Department also gained $30,000 from the Safe Route to Schools grant for a sidewalk project and $40,000 for the College Avenue Bridge design. They are also budgeted $18,000 for a new pickup truck along with $28,000 for two new pickup trucks for the Electrical Department.

Deficits in the Gas Department are attributed to a 3.2 percent increase in health insurance premiums along with an increase in payroll taxes, salaries and retirement expenses.

In other business, Scott Gilbert, Public Works Director, presented a proposed street resurfacing project for 3.97 miles to be completed within the next six months to a year. Because of a surplus of $569,429 in City funds, Mayor Murphy allocated $300,000 for the resurfacing project.

Covering seven areas including East Silverhill Avenue, College Avenue, Fairground Road, Krchak Lane, Circle Drive, Pearson Street and Palmer Street, Gilbert said although there are many more areas in need of help, these are the highest priority right now. “We can only do what we have the funds for but I wish we could do more.”

It’s been three or four years since the last repaving, Gilbert said, and the asphalt should last about 10 years. Just in the organizing phases now, Gilbert is unsure of whether the county will do the project or it will be bid out, but is anxious to get the process started.

Three motions were passed to purchase an $11,500 Kubota zero turn lawn mower for the street department, an $18,000 Animal Control Officer truck for the Police Department and a $12,706 Recording System for the Police Department. Funds for all three were already budgeted and are available, Gilbert said.

Also passed were motions to purchase a sign from the Robertsdale High School Basketball team for $125 to be displayed in the gym, to give $1,000 to the Youth Football League for team expenses and to grant an annexation request by Betty Ray for 47 acres to city limits. The property is located at 24440 Hwy. 59.

A presentation was made by Mike Shelton of the Baldwin County Watershed Coalition to request the City’s support in signing a memorandum of understanding and $1,000 for Stormwater Management training. This request was tabled until the next meeting to give the council more time to do some research.