The Jan. 23 tornado that destroyed parts of Clay and Trussville caused greater awareness on the need to be prepared. The state and city governments in the area are giving shoppers a break on the sales tax.
Trussville and Clay retailers are not going to collect sales tax on weather-related items on the designated days, July 6-8. However, Jefferson County sales tax will still be collected.
Except for generators, the items individually must cost less than $60. The portable generator and power cords must be less than $1,000.
Most local retailers say they are gearing up by stocking more of these items. However, the news came as a surprise to one local retailer.
Alan Friday, with Energy Systems Southeast, a new business to Trussville, said the company has ordered some generators in preparation of the weekend sales. ESSE also will be offering free hot dogs on that Saturday.
Home Depot has generators and ACE Hardware said it could order them. ACE Hardware also has some of the items for the home, and store manager Scott Robinson is ordering more.
Publix and Walmart also have many of the items.
Trussville’s sales tax is usually 10 percent total, which includes collections from state, local and the city. During the sales tax holiday weekend, the sales tax will drop to just 2 percent, the amount collected for the county
.
Clay’s and Pinson’s will drop from 8 percent to 2 percent.