The Thorsby Council approved an increase of its garbage rates by $2 across the board beginning in January.

The increase was agreed upon due to the town having lost money in recent months.

“We don’t want to go up in a pandemic, but we’re at the point where we have to do something,” Mayor Robert Hight said. “Everybody’s (local municipalities) in the same boat.”

According to Town Clerk Crystal Smith, Thorsby has lost about $12,000 over the past six months in conjunction with its garbage tonnage rates.

“You’ve got to at least break even,” Councilman Marvin Crumpton said. “You can’t lose money.”

The change has been due to Amwaste taking over operation of the Chilton County transfer station, which the town uses to dispose of its trash.

Councilman Glenn Littleton made the motion to approve the $2 increase in January as a way to “lessen the impact.”

“We can’t lose on the sewer and the garbage,” Littleton said.

Hight stated that it had been about 15 years since a price increase on garbage was enacted.

It was reiterated that only official Town of Thorsby trash cans will be picked up on trash day. No exceptions will be made.

The Council also approved a resolution to submit a grant with ALDOT for a future paving project that would include portions of Franklin Street, King Street, Mississippi Avenue and Pit Street.

CPA Howie McNeill presented the Council with the town’s annual audit.

According to McNeill, as of Sept. 30, 2019 the town had $2.9 million in its coffers over and above the liability, which the state requires.

“That’s a nice number for the town,” McNeill said.

The town also saw a sales tax revenue of $372,000, and has a governmental general fund balance of $945,000, which is used to pay the majority of the town’s bills and expenses.