In a 3-2 vote, the Florala City Council decided to move one step closer to paying half of the cost of constructing public bathrooms at the Florala State Park.

In May, the council committed approximately $20,000 for the project, after realizing the restroom facilities inside the newly constructed community center were not adequately designed for use by those not renting the facility.

Prev-iously, council members wanted to see conditions placed on the money, specifically if the park closed, the money spent would be given back to the city.

Now, the city council has voted to begin drawing up a contract for the project.

“It’s about us protecting our investment,” said Mayor Robert Williamson. “The natural step is to come up with the language that if the park closes, we get our investment back.”

Williamson said he spoke to state park officials Tuesday morning, informing them of the council’s decision.

“They said they understood, so what we have to do now is draw up an agreement that’s acceptable to both parties,” he said.

Councilman Jimmy Waldrop and councilwoman Gloria Cassady voted against the measure. Both have stated previously they felt the project should be state’s financial responsibility since they are the property owners.

In other business, the council:

• held the first reading of an ordinance that would allow the fire department to bill insurance companies for responding to fires and traffic accidents.

• voted to enter into a lease with the county school board for the Kiwanis Park property.

• voted to enter into a joint fuel bid with the county school board.

• voted to purchase cameras for the police department.