The Thorsby Town Council voted Monday night to raise the monthly garbage rate from $13 to $15, effective Oct. 1.

Mayor Dearl Hilyer said the average monthly expense for providing the service was $14.54 per month per customer.

“The cost of fuel has gone up, and the cost to dump at the transfer station has gone up,” Hilyer said.

Councilwoman Tara Jewell was initially concerned about raising the rates for the second consecutive year. Others, however, felt the town had no choice.

“It needs to be at least breaking even,” said Councilman Marvin Crumpton.

The council also established a rental tax, which will be effective Sept. 1. The tax will be levied on anything rented and delivered within city limits.

“It’s not mega bucks, but it is some income that’s escaping us,” Hilyer said.

The amount taxed on items such as linens, garments and other personal property will be 3 percent. The amount on autos and semi-trailers, however, would be 1.5 percent, Hilyer said.

In other business, the council:

•Accepted the resignation of Gerald Mims from the police department; Mims is serving in Afghanistan.

•Certified that the town is compliant with the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which allows the town to receive federal grant money for items such as computers.

•Set a public hearing on the pre-application of a land/water grant to construct a splash park in Richard Wood Park for Monday, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. at the Town Annex.

•Voted to rehire I.H. McNeill, P.C., to do the town’s annual audit for no more than $15,000.