The Troy City Council passed a budget Tuesday night that will give a 3.5 percent cost of living raise to employees with merit step raises as scheduled.

Salaried personnel will be considered for a 6 percent raise since they are not on the step raise system, according to the budget.

Other budget highlights include the hiring of three new patrol positions for the Troy Police Department, no increase in health insurance costs to city employees and a 2.5 percent increase in retirement costs as mandated by the Alabama State Legislature.

“This is a budget,” said Mayor-elect Jason Reeves during the council meeting. “We intend to spend every dime that the taxpayers give us wisely.”

Reeves noted that the city has seen an increase of sales tax of at least $320,000 over last year’s budget and a $200,000 increase to hospital tax.

Also at the council meeting, members voted to approve a retail liquor license for Trojan Zone located on U.S. Highway 231 in Troy; to continue a partnership with the Pike County Economic Development Corporation with a contribution from the city of $150,000 from the Utility Fund for the next fiscal year; and to comply with the state mandated 2.5 percent increase in retirement costs.

During the Troy City Council meeting, the 2012 Dixie AA World Series championship team and coaches from Troy were
recognized for their hard work this summer. Each player received a commendation from the city, a plaque, a medal and a candy bar with the team’s photo on it.

Also presented at the meeting, every school and Junior ROTC program in Pike County, along with OCAP and the Headstart program, received a check from Councilman Charlie Dunn and Charlie’s Angels on Monday night. Each year the group raises money for area schools and this year they were able to give out $6,000 to help further the education of Pike County children.

The next scheduled city council meeting is set for Oct. 9.