An expansion at Royal Technologies cleared the final hurdle when the Cullman City Council approved a tax abatement for the $19 million project that will create 25 news jobs.

Royal announced the expansion in July. The company, which serves the automotive and commercial furniture industries with plastic fabrication and fitment technology, originally planned to spend just more than $14 million in the expansion, but has since increased the amount as it moves to expand its production capacity.

The tax abatement will not impact taxes collected for the city’s school system.

The council also awarded a bid to C.H. Harris Inc. to construct a new sanitation facility on Convent Road at a cost of $349,285.

“We budgeted up to $500,000 for this project and it came in almost $150,000 under budget. I know originally one engineer told the mayor that this could cost up to $1 million,” said City Clerk Wes Moore.

The council also agreed to enter into a contract with Sain Associates for traffic engineering at 1st Avenue and Second Street SE in the area where the Stiefelmeyer Building is located. The cost is not to exceed $13,600.

A resolution to apply and commit a local matching grant for Nesmith Park renovation was tabled to ensure the details of the match for the project. Mayor Woody Jacobs said the council can come back in a week and approve the resolution after the final check is made.

A public hearing was also set for Ordinance 2019-07 to amend the Code of Ordinances Chapter 92 Section 193 regarding permitted uses under zoning regulations.

Debbie James of the Cullman Police Department was recognized by the council for five years of service.

Jacobs also praised the recent Christmas parade, tree lighting and performance by Anthem Lights. The mayor said he met several visitors to the area who traveled to Cullman for the event.