City abandons jurisdiction plans

By Staff
Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle is abandoning its plan to expand its police and fire jurisdiction.
Mayor Dwight Tankersley said the decision was based on comments from Morgan County commissioners and volunteer fire departments in the area.
On Tuesday, the Morgan County Commission said they wanted to host a public hearing on the matter. No hearing was scheduled at that time.
Hartselle’s City Council had given its permission to City Attorney Larry Madison to investigate the ramifications of expanding the jurisdictions. They voted Tuesday night to stop the work into the expansion.
The city was considering expanding its police and fire jurisdiction to three miles outside the municipal limits. The limits would have changed with each annexation. The move would have required businesses within the expanded limits to purchase a city business license and pay a 1.5 percent sales taxes.
In other city council business:
Two additional local pilots have joined with Roger Minor in a plan to construct a 60 foot by 180 foot hangar at the airport. Minor had previously received the OK to construct one 60 foot by 60 foot hangar.
The new agreement, which has yet to be finalized, will allow the three pilots to split the construction of the building. The city said the agreement with the two additional pilots will be similar with Minor’s, which calls for a 30-year lease at $600 annually. The pilots will also cover all the costs associated with operating the facility.
The new construction will free up three spots in current hangars. Airport officials said there is a waiting list for these positions.
Applications are also being accepted for the Mental Health Board and the Board of Zoning. Those applications are due by March 9.