By Gary Lloyd
Three area cities have approved resolutions to participate in the 2013 Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday Feb
. 22-24.
The cities of Argo, Pinson and Clay have approved measures to participate. The city of Trussville has yet to bring it to a city council vote. The Alabama Department of Revenue received Argo’s notice of participation Dec. 20.
Pinson Mayor Hoyt Sanders said his city passed a resolution at its Jan. 3 city council meeting.
“We did it last year,” Sanders said. “Anything we can do, particularly given the tragedies that have occurred even in our own adjacent areas, anything we can do to help people to prepare better, is something that I support.”
Some of the damage as a result of the Jan. 23, 2012, tornado at a home in the Pilgrim’s Rest subdivision in Trussville
photo courtesy of Sherri Blank
The city of Clay passed its resolution to participate last Thursday. Clay suffered major damage in the Jan. 23, 2012, tornado that crossed Old Springville Road, damaging many homes in the Paradise Valley and Georgebrook subdivisions.
Trussville Mayor Gene Melton said the Trussville City Council has not yet passed a resolution to participate, but he speculated that the council would be in support of the sales tax holiday and pass a resolution soon.
The holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. Feb. 22 and ends at midnight Feb. 24. The holiday gives shoppers to purchase certain severe weather preparedness supplies free of state sales or use tax.
Covered items that are $60 or less per item include:
- Any package of AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt or 9-volt batteries, excluding coin batteries and automobile and boat batteries
- Any cell phone battery or cell phone charger
- Any portable self-powered or battery-powered radio, two-way radio, weatherband radio or NOAA weather radio
- Any portable self-powered light source, including battery-powered flashlights, lanterns or emergency glow sticks
- Any tarpaulin, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths or other flexible, waterproof sheeting
- Any ground anchor system, such as bungee cords or rope, or tie-down kit
- Any duct tape
- Any plywood, window film or other materials specifically designed to protect window openings
- Any non-electric food storage cooler or water storage container
- Any non-electric can opener
- Any artificial ice, blue ice, ice packs or reusable ice
- Any self-contained first aid kit
- Any fire extinguisher, smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector
- Any gas or diesel fuel tank or container
For more information, visit www.revenue.alabama.gov.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.
