The Thorsby Town Council voted to increase its garbage fees Monday night by $1 per month per pickup.

The council discussed its budget at length Monday night, but the budget had not passed as of press time. Several measures did pass, however, that were to be included in the 2010-2011 budget, including:

•An increase of the rental fee for Helen Jenkins Chapel from $75 to $125.

•An change in building inspection fees from a rate of $300 per month to $100 per person per permit.

•A recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January as a paid holiday in the town.

The budget was to include $30,000 set aside for renovations to City Hall, $10,000 in upgrades to Helen Jenkins Chapel and $5,000 toward renovating the former lunchroom building at the old Thorsby Elementary School. These measures were included within the total amount of the budget, which was expected to be approved Monday night.

Mayor Dearl Hilyer also informed the council that the new budget includes an extra $2,500 per month from previous unpaid taxes.

“I didn’t project anything getting any better,” Hilyer said. “I projected that it would stay the same.”
Hilyer also budgeted about $10,000 toward updated computer equipment and software, which he indicated was a big need for the town.

“Our computers are getting so slow and they’re starting to lock up,” he said. “I don’t really see us getting around (that).”
In other business, the council voted to recognize Saturday night, Oct. 30 as the official “trick or treat night” in Thorsby since Halloween falls on a Sunday.