By Terry Schrimscher
SPRINGVILLE — The City of Springville will join cities around Alabama in observance of the state’s Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday during the last weekend of February 2021. The sales tax exemption will apply to specific items commonly needed during severe weather. The Springville City Council approved a resolution to participate in the sales tax holiday at the regular council meeting on Monday night, January 4.
“Not only during these most difficult days but anytime taxpayers can keep more of their hard-earned income is appreciated,” said Springville Mayor Dave Thomas.
The tax holiday is part of an ongoing statewide initiative that began in 2012 exempting many items, priced under $60, from state sales and usage taxes. Local governments can choose to participate, or not, by eliminating local sales taxes during those days. Springville will not charge a local or state sales tax for approved purchases.
The exemption applies to a wide variety of items under the price cap according to the Alabama Department of Revenue website. Items such as weather radios, smoke detectors, ice packs, flashlights, first aid kits and some types of batteries are exempt from sales taxes as long as they are priced under the $60 limit.
The exemption also applies to the purchase of portable generators priced below $1000.
“I encourage everyone to make the most of this opportunity,” said Mayor Thomas.
The council also approved funds for repairs to one of the city’s fire engines. Fire Chief Richard Harvey requested funds for engine repairs to one of the trucks. He brought the request to the meeting because previous expenditures on the department’s vehicles have exceeded the $15,000 budgeted for repairs.
Chief Harvey said he expects to do as much of the engine work as possible in-house. He also expressed a need to increase repair allocations in the upcoming city budget until the city can purchase newer trucks.
Mayor Thomas plans to present a budget for review by mid-January for discussion at the final regular meeting of the month. The council will meet for a work session and the last regular session of the month on January 25.
Due to ongoing safety precautions surrounding the recent spike in coronavirus cases across Alabama, city offices remain closed to walk-in traffic. Staff will be available for phone, email and internet meetings. Drive-through services are still open, where applicable. City Council, zoning and other committee meetings will continue to meet virtually through the end of January.
