Monday marked Florala’s first council meeting in its newly renovated city hall building.

Employees made the transition from next door to the old Florala Utilities building last Wednesday.

The new location houses not only city hall but also the police department and a 32-seat council chamber.

Those wishing to patronize the police department should enter through the Fourth Street entrance.

In the absence of a police officer, residents can still utilize the phone that dials straight to E-911.

Currently, it remains outside the old police department. City Clerk Kathy Rathel said plans are under way to move the phone to outside the new department.

Beginning Wednesday, the building will also house a new Chamber of Commerce office.

Councilman Jimmy Waldrop said the office, which is currently located inside the Depot, will be utilized by the Florala Historical Society.

Signage will also be installed at both city hall and the police department in the coming days.

In June 2009, the Utilities Board donated the building to the city and moved its operation to the old Alabama Power building on Fifth Street.