Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The recent severe winter weather that impacted Chilton County with the closing of schools on Jan. 6 was an example of what Mother Nature is capable of.

However, the possibility of severe weather is not just reserved for the winter months and exists throughout the year.

The town of Thorsby is doing its part in making sure that people are properly prepared for anything that may arise.

During the Town Council meeting on Tuesday Jan. 10 it was approved that Feb. 24-26 will serve as a severe weather preparedness tax holiday.

The holiday will allow residents the opportunity to purchase items deemed for severe-weather preparedness without the additional state sales tax.

The Alabama Department of Revenue introduced the initiative six years ago. All retailers must take part in the holiday.

Several items are listed as tax-exempt, such as batteries, plywood, power cords and any portable generator $1,000 or less.

The entire list of items as well as general information about the holiday can be found at revenue.alabama.gov.

Reports from the departments included the Thorsby Police Department adding part-time officer Josh Hubbard and Brian Ashworth as a reserve officer.

Fire Department Chief Lee Gunn informed the Council that the department should be receiving its grant money for new air packs by March.

The Council discussed the condition of the town’s limb truck with Public Works Director Terry Jackson and decided that the truck was too far gone for continued repairs.

The discussion was tabled for the next meeting on Jan. 23, where a possible solution will look to be found.

Monday Jan. 16 will be a holiday, but garbage will continue to be picked up as normal both Monday and Tuesday.

In other news from the meeting, the Council:

•Approved the minutes from the Planning Committee meeting on Dec. 6.

•Approved the minutes from the previous meeting on Dec. 19.

•Approved the revised budget to include the fire department’s recent grant.

•Authorized Mayor Robert Hight on the People’s Southern Bank account on behalf of the town.