By Keysha DrexelJournal editorThe Mountain Brook City Council last week approved a fiscal 2014 budget that reflects a surplus.On Sept. 23, the city council approved the new budget that projects $32.9 million in general revenue and $32.4 million in spending.The revenue budget is up 1.9 percent from last year's budget and expenses have increased by 2.5 percent … [Read more...]

By William C. Singleton IIIJournal contributorMotorists traveling U.S. 31 into Vestavia Hills from Homewood were greeted by blue lights illuminating the night sky recently.From Sept. 24-Oct. 1, the city illuminated Sibyl Temple, a popular Vestavia Hills landmark, with blue lights to promote safety on public roadways.The promotion was part of the city’s … [Read more...]

Work on Mountain Brook's Safe Routes to School sidewalk projects were scheduled to start after Labor Day, city officials have announced.In November, the city was the recipient of one of the state's first Safe Routes to School sidewalk grants and was awarded $834,475 to pay for construction of sidewalks along streets in the vicinity of Crestline and Mountain Brook Elementary … [Read more...]

By William C. Singleton IIIJournal contributorHomewood Mayor Scott McBrayer’s proposed 2013-2014 general fund budget anticipates about $40 million in expenses and revenues but doesn’t include cost of living raises, longevity pay or annual bonuses for employees.McBrayer presented his proposed budget for the new fiscal year to the Homewood City Council on Aug. … [Read more...]

By William C. Singleton IIIJournal contributorBy next month, the city of Vestavia Hills should own two pieces of property where it plans to build a new municipal complex.City officials confirmed recently they’re in the final process of acquiring the old Food World building at 1052 Montgomery Highway in the Vestavia Plaza Shopping Center and the Joe’s Ranch House … [Read more...]