(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening approved an ordinance creating a public building commission to issue bonds if a sales tax initiative is approved by voters during a special election next month.
On the recommendation of Mayor Bill Collins, the Commission approved the appointment of three individuals to the PBC. They include Dave Middendorf, Don Cashman and Marianne Schmitt.
The PBC is to hold their first meeting next week.
City Administrator Mike Nichols said issuing bonds through a PBC will keep the bonds from affecting the city’s statutory debt limit.
Brown County voters will decide May 21 whether to approve a 10-year half-cent countywide retailers sales tax for health care services in the county.
If the sales tax inititive is approved, plans are for the PBC to issue $2 million in bonds and for the refinancing of the Hiawatha Community Hospital's existing industrial revenue bonds. Proceeds from the sales tax would go to pay off the bonds.
Hospital Interim CEO John Broberg told the Commission the hospital plans to hold twenty-nine town hall meetings across the county to educate residents on the need for the sales tax.
The town hall meetings are to begin next week.
He said seven meetings are planned in Hiawatha and six in Horton along with the other communities throughout the county.
In other business, the Commission approved a resolution finding a house located at 815 Shawnee Street an immediate hazard and ordering its immediate removal.
The house was listed as a total loss following a fire in December. City Attorney Andy Delaney said the fire compromised the structural integrity of the house and left the house without a portion of its exterior walls, allowing children to enter.
Nichols was directed to solicit bids for the structure’s removal.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Hiawatha man charged after escape from police custody
Meriden teen injured in Jeff co wreck
Two arrested in rural Horton drug bust
USD 415 board approves resignations, new hires
Fake sports rings seized enroute to Atchison
USD 115 board fails to fill vacancy after 3 votes
Early Saturday house fire battled in Atchison
Topeka woman arrested in Jackson Co on drug charges
Hearing held on USD 115 land transfer petition
4th attorney appointed for TX man charged in fatal Jackson Co wreck
Failure to stop, Georgia warrants, hold Atchison man
8-year-old injured in mid-week Atchison wreck
Lansing man arrested in overdose death
New Mayor appointed for Lancaster
LV man sentenced for teen sexual attack
K-9 bridge replacement underway in Nemaha County
LATEST STORIES
Electrical distribution project upgrades for Falls City
NPPD warns downed power lines can be deadly
MHMA Mock Trial Team wins state, heads to natls
Nebraska students taking advantage of dual credit courses
Lansing inmate dead, investigation continues
Motorcyclist injured in Winthrop, MO crash
Bird flu found in two KS dairy herds
Brown Co certifies election results