The Brundidge City Council introduced a draft of its proposed budget Tuesday for the 2009 fiscal year, which started in October.

City Manager Britt Thomas said the council typically passes a budget by Sept. 30, but with elections still pending they have held off until now.

Once new District 5 Councilman Steven Coleman is sworn in Nov. 3, the council will begin working to prepare this year’s budget.

The draft presented Tuesday was in excess of $9.9 million, which Mayor Jimmy Ramage said is something to be proud of.

“The $9.9 million budget’s a pretty good size budget,” Ramage said.

Once council members delve into budget talk, Thomas said they will have to address increasing power rates, as their utility company, Power South, has promised a rate increase for them in January.

“I think it’s time you give some serious consideration to it,” Thomas said.

Thomas said rates have not increased since 1993 in Brundidge, but they have often been readjusted for rising fuel costs, passing on to the customer what they have to pay themselves.

In other business, the council approved to finance $163,000 debt with Troy Bank and Trust, which will be paid in three years.

Thomas said the debt stems from repainting two 251-gallon water tanks and the repair of a broken well.

The council was also addressed by owners of a new Latino dance club, requesting a liquor license, for the business that will be coming to Brundidge.

“It’s a dance club that would function on Friday and Saturday nights, initially,” said Consultant Rich Lopez.

Council members tabled the motion to grant the license and agreed to take it up in the next meeting, on Nov. 4.

On Nov. 3, prior to their next scheduled meeting, Coleman will be certified as the newest council member at the Brundidge Station 4 p.m.