By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



The State of Alabama, along with two area cities, are looking to give parents and students a break next month.

Gardendale and Warrior will adopt the state’s tax-free holiday for the weekend of Aug. 3-5.

Gardendale adopted a resolution to take part in the holiday last year. This year marks the first time Warrior will offer the break to shoppers. Warrior passed its resolution earlier this month.

This year also marks the second time the state has issued such a holiday.

During the three-day period, the state sales tax is waived on:

• clothing priced at $100 or less

• school supplies priced at $50 or less

• books valued at $30 or less and textbooks valued at $50 or less

• computers and computer equipment with a selling price of $750 or less

Gardendale and Warrior will further relax city sales tax on those same items as part of the holiday weekend.

Gardendale Mayor Kenny Clemons said the city sees no financial benefit from taking part in the holiday, but said he feels the city owes it to its residents.

“It’s a pay back from the city to the people who shop here all the time,” Clemons said. “Any city that is trying to devote themselves to families and kids needs to do that. It’s something that I’ll always support and the council’s behind it too.”

Warrior Mayor Rena Hudson said with school expenses for families escalating yearly, it seemed like a wise move to take part in the holiday.

“I think it’s going to be a favorable thing,” Hudson said. “I’m glad the council is in agreement to do it and I think it will benefit our citizens.”

Derek Freeman, manager of the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Gardendale, said he thought last year’s holiday was a success.

“It was a good weekend for us,” Freeman said. “Friday was by far the best day.”

Freeman said computers and electronic equipment for school are the biggest sellers, in addition to apparel.

For a complete listing of what items are exempt, visit http://www.revenue.alabama.gov/salestax/STHolidayQuickRefSheet07.pdf.