By Scott Mims

It will be early October before businesses in Thorsby can start selling alcoholic beverages, town leaders estimate.
The reason is because the state ABC Board is waiting until the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1 before mailing any beer or liquor licenses.
“It looks like it will be around Oct. 5 or 6 (before alcohol will be sold in the town),” Mayor Dearl Hilyer said after Friday’s council meeting.
The town has changed the date of its second council meeting to Monday, Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. to fall in line with the second of two public hearings on alcohol licenses for Mizzell’s Super Saver and Main Street Market. The hearing will precede the meeting at 6 p.m., and both will be held at the Thorsby Annex.
The Town Council voted Friday to amend its business license ordinance to include licensing regulations for alcoholic beverages.
In other business, the town is planning its proposed budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Town department heads reported to the council Friday with expectations for the new year.
Water Superintendent Terry Jackson said the generator at the town’s main well is in need of repair. The cost is unknown, but he said he would report it to the council.
“It’s something to run the whole plant if we lose power for any amount of time,” Jackson said. “It’s a valuable tool for us.”
Fire Chief Lee Gunn said his department has been purchasing two sets of turnout gear per year for nearly $3,000 until all sets are replaced. At Gunn’s request, the council approved the hiring of Shelby Lockhart and Jeffrey Blow.
Also, upon the request of Police Chief Rodney Barnett, the council approved new employee safety manuals.

By Scott Mims

There was no opposition to the town of Thorsby’s proposal to replace a bridge on West Medical Center Drive in a public hearing held Wednesday.

Currently, the bridge cannot support a school bus, fire truck or similar vehicle. Mayor Dearl Hilyer estimated that there are approximately 40 homes located within corporate limits west of the bridge.

Peggy Matthews, a grant writer for the town, urged each citizen to write a letter in support of the project.

“We really need support letters saying the problems you have,” Matthews said. “I can’t express how important [community participation] is. It could mean the difference of getting it funded or not getting it funded.”

Matthews said petitions are also acceptable but are not as effective as individual letters from residents. She said people do not have to live in the target area in order to submit a letter.

The estimated cost of replacing the bridge, not including engineering fees, is about $204,450. The original wooden substructure would be replaced by a series of concrete culverts. There would also be dirt work to raise the level of the road approaching the bridge, as well as some resurfacing.

The town will apply for a Community Development Block Grant, which would be funded by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs. The grant must benefit at least 51 percent low- to moderate-income residents.

Letters may be taken to Thorsby City Hall or mailed to the town’s address, P.O. Box 608, Thorsby, AL  35171.

For more information, call 646-3575.