LOXLEY, Alabama — Those buying fuel in Loxley will see a slight increase at the pump after the Loxley Town Council voted at its regular meeting Jan. 9 to increase its gasoline tax.

It has been more than four decades since the town has increased its gasoline tax. The Gasoline Tax Ordinance was last amended in 1974, officials said.

Town council members voted unanimously Jan. 9 to increase the in-town gasoline tax from 1 percent to 3 percent. Those buying fuel outside the town limits, but within the town’s police jurisdiction, will see less of an increase, from a .5 percent to 1.5 percent.

The tax increase will be effective March 1, according to the ordinance. Proceeds from the tax would be used to make road improvements in town.

Loxley Mayor Billy Middleton said, despite the increase, the tax is still less than some of the surrounding municipalities. All council members were present for the Monday evening meeting.

The council also voted at its Jan. 9 meeting to advance $100,000 from the town’s Utility Capital Reserve Fund to the General Fund to fund the repaving of streets in town.

A resolution was passed unanimously at Monday’s meeting, stating that the “General Fund of the Town lacks the funds necessary for said paving and … the Utility Capital Reserve Fund of the Town has sufficient funds to extend to the General Fund….”

According to the resolution, the Utility Capital Reserve Fund would be reimbursed the principal amount without interest from General Fund in monthly installments of $1,500 per month until the entire amount is paid off.

In other business Jan. 9, the council:

• Adopted a proclamation declaring Feb. 10 as Arbor Day in the town of Loxley. The town will host a tree giveaway that day at the Loxley Municipal Park.

• Adopted a proclamation declaring Jan. 22-28 as Loxley School Choice Week.

• Approved a donation of $250 to the Robertsdale High School Naval Junior ROTC program.

• Renewed the town’s banner at the Robertsdale High School baseball field at a cost of $400.

• Adopted a resolution forming a Community Celebration Committee in town.

• Approved the use of Ickes Tree Service to remove a water oak in the right of way, along with the trimming of a live oak on Water Street at a cost of $2,322.50.

• Approved the purchase and installation of a street light at the corner of Alabama 59 and County Road 49 north of Interstate 10 at a cost of $1,264.34.

• Approved the renewal of workers compensation insurance for town employees effective Jan. 31.