A faltering economy has sent sales tax collections down in Heflin by 39 percent for the first quarter.

During a Heflin Council work session last week, Heflin Mayor Anna Berry told council members that “sales taxes are down substantially” and said collections for the first quarter were down by $185,000.

“We’re really going to have to watch the city budget,” Mayor Berry said.

In another matter., the mayor presented a letter from Houston Jones who complained about recently flooding conditions causing some lumber he had to get wet.

Mayor Berry said the lumber is on property in a flood plain.

“There’s really not anything we can do. We had flooding all over town,” she said.

Councilman Ken DuHon said he felt the matter is “a water board problem. I think it is an issue the water board needs to address.”

Mayor Berry said channeling down stream might have prevented some of the problem but channeling is illegal and the city can’t take any sort of action along those lines.

Councilman DuHon also brought up the conditions of Brockford Road , adding, “Our streets are getting in bad shape.”

Mayor Berry said the city does not have any money for paving at this time. She said there is some $50,000 which could be used to purchase plant mix and “patch the best we can.”

Councilman Jerry Gaines said that patching might work if a roller can be rented to roll the hot plant mix once it is put down. Otherwise, the mix doesn’t last very long.

Mayor Berry also noted that animal control has been very busy with 18 dogs picked up in one recent week.

In the regular council meeting the mayor said the city will have their budget review on March 9.

She also discussed the Year of Small Towns and Downtowns event planned for later this year.

She said Heflin’s event will include a barbecue at the old high school, a historic play, graveyard tour, unveiling of a historic marker, recognizing “Heflin Stars”, music, street dance, cardboard boat races and other all weekend events.

Councilman Travis Crowe reported that the tearing down of “eyesores” around town has been placed “back on the front burner” and letters have been sent to property owners.