City approves possible financing option for new police station

The next step for the new Mount Vernon Police station has been taken.

City Council approved an ordinance Monday allowing for the issuance of notes not to exceed $29 million for the purpose of constructing the new police station on Sychar Road.

Before voting to approve the ordinance, council heard from City Auditor Daniel Brinkman about the city’s current debt situation. He said at the moment, the city pays just over $2 million in debt service per year, but several bonds will be ending in the next few years. A bond for the water park and a loan for the bridge replacement on Mount Vernon Avenue will both be off the books at the end of 2027. That will save the city approximately $759,000 per year, including $362,000 that is coming from the general fund.

Then, in 2029, a bond for the wastewater project and one for the Blackjack Road improvements will end, saving approximately $325,000 per year, including $137,000 from the general fund.

“The more I went through the numbers, the better I felt about that,” Brinkman said. “That will reduce the load on the general fund.”

According to Andy Brossart of Bradley Payne, the city has about a $85-$90 million capacity for debt. The $29 million would cause some tightening of the belts around the city, but not make it impossible to pay for other services. It is also anticipated that the full cost of the project will not be quite $29 million, but they wanted to have a cushion in case of unexpected expenses.

The city is currently at about 50 percent of the design stage, but expect to be completed soon. Procurement for the project is expected to start in mid-April and will take about a month.

In other news, council:

•Gave first readings on resolutions authorizing the Safety-Service Director to advertise for bids for two projects — the Blackjack Wetland project and the Veterans Walk of Honor project.

•Authorized the auditor to create new lines in the budget and then make supplemental appropriations for items such as a wastewater grant and probation grant.

•Established the compensation and benefits for the Community Development/Public Information Officer position. The minimum pay for this two-part position will be $30.25 per hour with the maximum at $42.36 per hour.

•Gave a second reading on amending an ordinance regarding curb-side recycling.

•Adopted an ordinance amending chapter 133 of the codified ordinances to allow for selection of additional alternate members of the Civil Service Commission.

•Had a first reading on an ordinance establishing compensation and benefits for a Services and Resource Coordinator.

•Gave first readings on ordinances amending sections of the ordinances regarding tax cabs and the allocation of funds.

Residents were also reminded that the Tire Recycling Day event will be Saturday, March 28, from 8 a.m. until noon at Ariel-Foundation Park. Anyone wishing to drop off used tires, except for large tractor tires, can do so for a $2 fee per tire.

The Jerry and Joy Easter Egg Hunt will also be Saturday, March 28, at 9:30 a.m. at Hiawatha Park.

The next meeting will be Monday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m.