Birmingham mayor Larry Langford shakes Councilor Steven Hoyt’s hand as he leaves chambers shortly after the passage of his proposed sales tax and business license fee increases. They will take effect on January 1.

Photo credit: Bob Farley/f8photo

The Birmingham City Council voted to approve both of the mayor’s initiatives during this morning’s city council meeting. While we need to confirm the final vote, Councilor William Bell was not in attendance due to his continuing recovery (though he did take part in the discussion via telephone), while Councilor Valerie Abbott abstained from both votes. We will provide more information as it becomes available.

The sales tax passed 7-0 while the business license fee increase passed 6-1, with Councilor Joel Montgomery casting the lone “no” vote. The increases are set to take place on January 1.