The Alexander City City Council has a tough job ahead of it. Councilmembers are currently digging through endless numbers in the city’s proposed upcoming budget and soon must decide what should be included or cut in the budget.

Mayor Tommy Spraggins explained at Monday’s city council meeting he and city finance director Sandy Stanbrough have “burned the midnight oil” many nights over the last few weeks studying the budget. The council met for a work session Thursday to get a first look at the proposed budget but has a long way to go before making any decisions.

Santana Wood is the managing editor of The Outlook.