Environmental engineers should report back to Thorsby about the status of the old elementary school building early next year.

The last samples needed for testing were pulled from the school Monday, according to Mayor Dearl Hilyer.

Engineers and consultants working for the Environmental Protection Agency have spent this fall inspecting the building for hazards like asbestos and lead-based paint.

The tests were part of the EPA’s Brownsfield grant program, which redevelops abandoned buildings or underused sites, so the properties can be used again.

Once the town hears back from engineers, they can move forward with another grant to clean up any hazards that might be found.

“We’d have enough information then to pursue the second grant to get it abated and cleaned up,” Hilyer said.

In other business, the council took the following actions:

•The town still plans to move forward with a FEMA grant to build two storm shelters. One would be located at Susan Bentley Field, while the other would be at Sam Bentley Park.

•Hilyer announced the town had received a $5,000 CAWACO grant to do work on the floor, doors and windows at Helen Jenkins Chapel. The town has also been awarded a $3,000 grant from Georgia Pacific to go toward the veterans’ monument at Richard Wood Park.

•The council hired Nathan Willis to work as a part-time police officer.

•The council also approved allowing the fire department to spend up to $3,000 on roof and electrical work at the old fire station. They town may match that amount in early 2012 to allow more work to be done on the ceiling and doors.

•Hilyer announced a fundraiser for Thorsby PTO will follow the town’s Christmas parade Dec. 3 at the school.