For the second year in a row, the City of Brewton will not participate in Alabama’s sales tax holiday this year.

The city council voted 4-1 Tuesday not to participate in the Aug. 5-7 event, which is designed to encourage local shopping and give shoppers a break on back-to-school items.

“Things have not changed that much since last year,” said Mayor Ted Jennings. “For the financial condition of the city, it’s my recommendation we not participate.”

Councilman Joe Watson said he thought the city should participate, noting that other cities in the county were part of the sales tax holiday last year.

In other business:

• Council members approved a bid for refuse bags from Dyna-Pak of Tennessee, which will charge the city $5.22 per box. The city sells the bags to residents for $6 per box. Councilman Dennis Dunaway voted against the measure.

• Heard from Spinks Megginson, who is on a committee working to get the city “storm ready” by setting up an early warning system. Megginson said he has spoken with county Emergency Management Director David Adams and U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner about the possibility of grant funding for the sirens.