The push to build a law enforcement center in the town of Little River cleared another hurdle last week, as the Oconto City Council approved an amendment to its annexation agreement that drops the reference to a referendum.
The Little River Town Board will discuss the amendment today.
The original annexation agreement, which gives the city right-of-way access to the proposed center’s site, required the passage of a referendum before Little River received $8,000 from the city. The money is compensation for the town’s anticipated loss of state transportation aid on the section of road leading to the center.
County officials requested the referendum language be removed from the annexation agreement.
According to the city’s attorney, without the amendment, the city would not be bound to pay the town and could annex the road anyway, if a referendum for the project passes.
The amendment was approved 9-1, with Alderperson Marlene Zahn casting the dissenting vote. She said the county should hold a referendum regarding the new jail, 9-1-1 center and Sheriff’s Department offices, estimated to cost $25 million.
Oconto Mayor Victoria Bostedt also supports having a referendum.
A 14-acre parcel has been purchased for the center, but unexpected utility costs have put the site in question. The county is reviewing its funding options and considering proposals to hire an architect for design work.
Categories
