By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – The Columbiana City Council has approved a budget for Fiscal Year 2020 that accounts for the new Shelby County Arts Center at Old Mill Square.

The city’s nearly $8.5 million balanced budget includes about $2.7 million in revenue bonds to finish the 30,000 square-foot facility, which is a partnership between the city of Columbiana, Shelby County and the Shelby County Arts Council.

“Revenues are up,” Columbiana Mayor Stancil Handley said. “We’re happy in Columbiana. Things are moving forward.”

City Clerk Charlene Tucker said revenue from sales tax, business licenses and building permits for new home construction have contributed to the city’s overall revenue increase.

Municipalities will start receiving gas tax money in January that can be used for road projects, Tucker said.

In other business, the council:

• Accepted the city’s audit for Fiscal Year 2018.
• Approved minutes from the Sept. 3 regular council meeting, Sept. 10 council work session and Sept. 16 council work session.
• Approved check registers for Sept. 1 and Sept. 20 accounts payable batches.
• Approved for Charlene Tucker and Andrea Edwards to attend Alabama Municipal Revenue Officers Association training in Tuscaloosa on Oct. 2-4, with registration, lodging and meal expenses not to exceed $725.