Ala. Code § 45-8A-23.131

The budget message submitted by the city manager to the council shall be explanatory of the budget of the budget proposal and shall contain an outline of the proposed financial policies of the city for the budget year and shall describe in connection therewith the important features of the budget plan. It shall set forth the reasons for proposed important changes from the previous year in cost and revenue items and shall point up and explain any proposed important changes in policy.