The Andalusia City Council on Tuesday set salaries for the next administration, effective when members of that group take office in 2020.

Mayor Earl Johnson said the salaries of elected officials have not changed since 2008, and the new rates represent a five percent increase in pay.

State law does not allow members of an administration to raise current salaries, but they can make changes for the administration that will follow.

Beginning in November of 2020:

• The mayor’s salary will be $2,596 biweekly, or $67,500.
• Council salaries will be $375 per biweekly pay period, or $9,750.
• Council members who earn the designation of “basic certified municipal official” shall earn an additional $225 for month, for a total of $2,700 annually.
• Council members may participate in municipal group life and health policies, but must reimburse the city or have the premiums deducted from their pay.

The council unanimously approved the changes on a motion from Councilman Terry Powell and a second from Councilwoman Hazel Griffin.

In other business, the council:

• Approved a retail beer and wine license for Piggly Wiggly, which is set to open in the former location of Winn Dixie. Manager Chance Robertson told the council “everything Winn Dixie had, we will have.”
• Approve the purchase of two Dodge Grand Caravan mini vans from the state bid list for the Adult Activity Center.