The City of Troy saw it’s biggest drop in sales tax revenues for the month of June, and early indicators show that will be the case this month, as well.

That’s what Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford reported at the city council meeting Tuesday, expressing concern that July’s sales tax collections may be down around $40,000 to $50,000 compared to the same time last year.

“We don’t have the percentage, but it’s a substantial decrease,” Lunsford said.

July’s collections will likely be better than June’s 16 percent drop, but the city will have to consider these numbers as it plans for next year’s budget and count on losing those revenues next year.

The city council was also set to award a construction bid for the new walking trail at the city’s recreation department. But, Lunsford was not prepared to make a recommendation and that motion will carry forward.

The 1.2 mile walking trail will be funded with grant money, but all bids for construction came back higher than anticipated, causing the city to take a step back to consider what to do with the project.

“The money is double what we anticipated, so we need more time to consider that,” Lunsford said.

By the next council meeting, Lunsford said he will make a recommendation, and the project will still be completed.

Council members also authorized three resolutions to continue operations at the Pike Area Transit System. One will guarantee the city of Troy’s portion of match money to fund the project, the other will authorize operations and the third is an agreement with the Department of Transportation.

Pike County, Troy and Brundidge all split the funding for the PATS match, and the city of Troy’s portion is 48 percent of $148,000.

The council will vote next meeting on awarding the architecture contract to begin plans on the new Troy Public Library, set to move next to the current Troy Board of Education site on Elm Street.