By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The city of Clanton will be participating in the back-to-school sales tax free weekend again this year.

The Clanton City Council unanimously approved the tax-free event for July 20-22 during a meeting on March 26.

Mayor Billy Joe Driver said it is something the city has participated in for several years.

The Alabama Department of Revenue picks the weekend for the tax holiday on most school supplies and clothing, but local governments decide whether or not to waive the local sales tax portion during those days.

For a list of items included in the tax-free event, visit https://revenue.alabama.gov/sales-use/sales-tax-holidays/ and click on “Quick Reference Sheet of Exempt Items.”

During the meeting, the City Council also approved purchasing equipment for the police department, including a utility vehicle and a communications repeater

The vehicle will be purchased for $14,735 with existing funds, according to Chief Keith Maddox. The cost was below the amount that would have required it to be bid out.

The communications repeater is often used in undercover drug operations and is expected to cost $3,225. Maddox said the repeater that is being used now is at least a decade old.

The City Council also approved:

— Paying a bill for $22,536 for garbage being hauled.

— Hiring a full-time assistant park director.

— Granting a medical leave request for a sanitation employee.

— Allowing the intersection of Second Avenue North and Sixth Avenue North near Corner Park to be closed for a meet and greet with candidates hosted by the Chilton County Republicans for April 28 from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

— Buying a Dodge truck off of the state bid list for the sanitation department for $20,164.