By Theadoris Morris

The closing of the Thorsby Library for renovations was approved at the Thorsby Town Council meeting Tuesday.

“The library will be temporarily closed until further notice,” said Mayor Dearl Hilyer. “The majority of the people that come in the library use the computers and not the book area, so until we find a better facility for the library, we feel that this is the best thing to do.”

The library will be made into a clerk’s office. The books will be given back to Clanton.

Residents will continue to have access to the computers, said Hilyer.

In other business, the Thorsby Fire Department’s $63,000 grant for new equipment was approved, and Fire Chief Lee Gunn is looking to begin the bidding within the next month.

Also, an engineer for the Medical Center Drive bridge project was received and approved. Calvin Cassidy will be the engineer.

It was also approved for the town to partner with Judicial Correction Services, Inc. to collect court funds and fines.

“Hopefully this will encourage people to go ahead and pay their fines,” said town clerk Denise Gunn. “If someone comes in and wants to pay a fine, I will say, ‘I can’t take your money,’ which will take it off my back.”

The company will add an additional $10 for each month a person’s fine isn’t paid. It is planned to take effect Feb. 8.

There will be a public hearing Thursday, Jan. 20 at the Municipal Annex at 5:30 p.m.