Jean Nelson inherited Thorsby’s leadership under difficult circumstances, but the mayor is determined to maintain the momentum created by former mayor Dearl Hilyer.

Hilyer died Oct. 16, and Nelson filled in as mayor pro tem. When the new town council met for the first time on Nov. 5, 2012, the body appointed Nelson to the top post.

Nelson said her job has been made easier by the experience and attitude of the town’s other employees.

“All of them are such good people to work with,” she said. “It’s getting better.”

In 2013, the town’s top priority will be improving water infrastructure, Nelson said. Water lines in many areas around town need to be upgraded from 2-inch pipe to 6-inch pipe, she said.

Maintaining Thorsby’s parks is important, Nelson said, because they are some of the town’s main attractions.

The town’s appearance is also important in attracting business, which would in turn increase the town’s revenue and allow Thorsby to provide improved services to residents.

One prime piece of property that could be of interest to businesses looking to locate in Thorsby is the old sewing factory just off Highway 31 in the northern part of town.

The town owns the property but could be looking to sell this year.

“It’s just sitting there now,” Nelson said.