By Scott Mims

The Thorsby Town Council accepted a group insurance proposal for town employees Monday, Feb. 1 night.
The benefit package includes a $20,000 basic life insurance policy and $20,000 accidental death and dismemberment through 5 Star Life Insurance Company.
Thorsby Mayor Dearl Hilyer said the plan, which will cost the town about $120 per month, will cover all employees. The town of Thorsby employs approximately 40 people, including both part-time and full-time workers.
Hilyer said the town’s attorney, John Hollis Jackson, advised the council prior to its decision.
“He said that was a real good deal, and that it spoke well of us that we would look into a plan like that,” Hilyer said.
In other business, a public hearing on the proposed zoning ordinance will be held Tuesday night, Feb. 2 in the Town Annex at 6.
A representative of the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham will be present to answer questions and address concerns.
The council also voted to allow Officer Gerald Mims to attend drug training in March and skid car training in the fall. The only cost of the drug training will be fuel, and the vehicle training will cost $35.
Nick Watley, a part-time firefighter with Thorsby who serves full-time at Selma’s fire department, will now also serve as an auxiliary police officer.