Hillsboro Fire and Rescue Seeking Sales Tax for New Fire Hall
During Monday’s Hillsboro City Commission meeting, Hillsboro Fire and Rescue detailed plans to pursue a sales tax increase to fund a new fire hall.
The volunteer fire department informed the commission that they plan on pursuing a half-cent sales tax for the construction of the new building. Once payment is complete on the building, the half-cent would be reduced to a quarter-cent for operating expenses for the department. The city’s yearly budget currently allocates $10,000 to the department, plus additional miscellaneous expenses such as fuel costs and phone lines. According to the department, that amount only covers about 15% of their annual operating expenses. The department plans to pursue a ballot measure on the increase during the November elections. The commission took no formal action on the topic.
The commission also continued discussion on solutions for caring for stray dogs. Commission President, Levi Reese, feels the best solution would be for the city to have a temporary pound to house dogs for up to 72 hours. Any remaining dogs would then be transferred to other shelters, such as Circle of Friends Humane Society in Grand Forks. The estimated cost to the city would be $50 per dog, which would be transferred to any applicable owners. Traill County Sheriff, Steve Hunt, suggested a more county-wide solution. No formal action was taken on the discussions.
Members of the Red River Valley Water Supply Project also presented on the benefits of their project. No formal action was taken on the presentation. Approved action items included: the first reading of a storage container ordinance, which would allow commercial lots to have only one container stacked on top of another as long as they are resting on a cement slab; a summer budget proposal for the public library totaling just over $4100; a lodging tax grant application for Traill County Historical Society for $2500; a residential demolition grant for $2000; a special event permit for A & R Bar; and a 2025 tax equalization letter of intent with Traill County.
In other business, the commission accepted the final 2020-2022 audit. Auditor Casey Eggermont also recommend the commission to begin the audit process for year 2023 this summer. Eggermont also gave updates on a grant through Missouri River Energy Services.
In Reese’s general comments, he gave updates from Planning and Zoning and Beautification. The commission approved Matt Miller as a new member of the Planning and Zoning Committee. Reese also mentioned that 44 trees would be removed thanks to the recent tree removal grant.
The commission also discussed the ongoing plans to repair the burro statue. Commissioner, Jason Pohlkamp, said that after talking to the previous craftsmen behind the burro, they felt the cost to improve the statue wasn’t worth it. Reese will find storage for the statue until a long-term solution can be finalized.
You can view the full meeting here.