Families for a Safe Hartselle spokesman Jeff Johnson addresses the crowd during a press conference Monday. | Brent Maze

Supporters of Families for a Safe Hartselle believe that those who support alcohol sales have changed their message.

“Now they seem to be saying that liquor is only part of a solution to current budget issues,” said Jeff Johnson, spokesman for the group, during a press conference Monday at Hartselle Church of Christ. “Two years ago – their message was that liquor and other alcohol sales would resolve all of Hartselle’s problems. Their message was based on a report, which estimated that Hartselle area residents spend $1,000 on liquor per year per household, resulting in millions of dollars in retail sales. In effect, they have lowered their projections of the amount of alcohol Hartselle residents are expected to consume. Why have their projections changed?”

The group has already started placing signs around town, as its campaign begins for the 2014 general election on Nov. 4.

This is the fourth vote since 2000 on alcohol sales in Hartselle. The most recent vote in 2012 failed 3,478-3,066.