How to pay for renovations of the Elgin Swimming Pool were discussed on a rare Tuesday meeting of the Elgin City Council.
At the end of discussions, the council approved the following:
• To apply sales tax funds for pool renovation
• Pass Resolution 2015-3 calling for election of municipal bonds
The council approved a donation of $50,000 from the city’s sales tax coffers, to be used as a “kickoff” for local fundraising efforts for pool renovations which are expected to cost more than $1.3 million.
The approved resolution calls for a special election to approve Ameritas municipal bonds to cover up to $500,000 of the cost of renovations. The special election would be held Tuesday, Nov. 10. On that day, registered voters in Elgin will have the opportunity to approve or reject the bonds at the ballot box.
Renovations to the pool, if fundraising efforts are successful, would begin at the close of the pool season in 2016 and completed in time for swimmers to utilize the pool during the summer of 2017. Other sources of funding could be estate gifts, etc.
A “kickoff” event will likely be scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public hearings were held on the proposed FY 2015-16 budget and tax levy. No one from the public spoke on the budget. With no public comments, the council approved the budget as presented on a 4-0 vote. The tax asking will be approximately $137,598, down from $139,916 one year ago.
In other action:
Permits — Council members approved building permit applications, with the required signatures, sought by Jeremy Hoefer and Bev Codr.
New firemen — The application of Jamie “Jake” Schwarting to join the Elgin Volunteer Fire Department was approved.
Agreements — Interlocal agreements with Antelope County for law enforcement for two years was approved. Cost to the city will be $2,700 per month. Previously, the amount was $2,600 per month.
Sub-division — The council suspended the mandatory three readings and approved Ordinance #642 for a Sterling Heights 2 sub-division (also commonly known as the Meis sub-division) on the southwest edge of Elgin.
CORE group — On a three-to-one vote (Councilman Mike Dvorak voting “nay,” the Council approve awarding up to $2,500 for the area CORE group’s housing program.
Sheriff’s report — For the month of July, law enforcement provided more than 95 hours of patrol in the community and responded to five “911” calls.
