The City of Atmore has begun the new fiscal year with a budget increase of almost $2 million, compared to the numbers presented at the beginning of the 2010-11 year.

The new budget, which went into effect Saturday, Oct. 1, totals to $8,414,720, a $1,423,5840 increase over last year.
During an afternoon council meeting Wednesday, city officials said the rise in the budget is almost a direct effect of the money generated from the 1 cent sales tax approved for Atmore in February.

Atmore Mayor Howard Shell said he is satisfied with this year’s projections and pointed to the sales tax as a great investment paying off.

“I think it ‘s a good budget,” he said. “It covers our needs.”

Other expenses approved for the new budget include: $1,168,980 for general government; $186,956 for municipal court; $154,952 for building and inspection; $1,813,600 for Atmore Police Department; $283,300 for the drug task force; $788,391 for Atmore Fire Department; $1,022,231 for street and sanitation; $177,000 for park and recreation; $254,100 for Atmore Public Library; $2,248,560 for subsidies and appropriations; $72,850 for Atmore Municipal Airport; $121,100 for beautification; $122,700 for landfill costs.

In other business the council:

Approved police and fire jurisdiction calculations.

Approved the use of land near Wind Creek Casino and Hotel for use by the PCI Gaming Authority for a regional rodeo event to begin Monday, Oct. 31 and run through Tuesday, Nov. 22.

Approved Trick-r-Treat hours for Halloween night, Monday, Oct. 31 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. for children 12 years of age and under.

Approved reappointment of Hooper Matthews, Jr. to Atmore Utilities Board.

Approved reappointment of Anthony Marshall to Atmore Library Board.

Approved plans for a VFW flag retirement ceremony to be held on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11 at 11 p.m. at the veterans memorial in front of Atmore City Hall.