Ala. Code § 17-14-55

It shall be the duty of the Comptroller to ascertain the expense of an election under Section 17-14-54 and, within 30 days after the holding of the same, to present to and file with the clerk of such municipality a statement of the expense, duly certified by such officer, and the governing body of such municipality, by whatever name called, shall cause the expense to be paid out of the funds of the municipality to the Treasurer of the State of Alabama. Every such claim shall be a preferred claim against such municipality, and the courts may enforce by writ of mandamus performance of the duty herein entailed upon the Comptroller and the members of the governing body of such municipality.