GULF SHORES, Ala. -- Coastal leaders say tarballs from the Gulf oil spill are still hitting Alabama beaches, and they say daily cleanup work is still needed.

Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft says workers have collected more than 9,600 pounds of tarballs on the Alabama coast in the last two weeks. He says that's reason enough to keep workers on the beach every morning.

BP says daily maintenance and monitoring began last week, but a spokesman says future work will be dictated by needs.

Elected leaders are trying to reach an agreement with BP on beach maintenance through the spring and summer. They also want the oil giant to to keep cleaning equipment near the beaches in case a storm dredges up oil off the floor of the Gulf of Mexico.