Northfield residents now have a sticker price for their share of the planned safety center.

The city council on Tuesday unanimously approved a financing plan using capital improvement bonds, the middle of three options: one plan offered a quicker implementation and higher interest rate, the other had similar rates but required a referendum.

According to documents submitted to councilors by Finance Director Kathleen McBride, residents with a homestead property valued at $250,000 can expect to pay an additional $105 to $143 per year in property taxes to pay for the center, depending on the length over which the city repays the bonds. A business worth $500,000 would be responsible for a figure between $387 and $530.

McBride said that in March or April the council will hold a public hearing on the financing plan. After a three-fifths majority vote approving the issuance of the bonds, the plan requires a 30-day period for residents to recall the plan by reverse referendum before moving forward.

Councilors voted to approve the construction of the safety center in November. The combined police and fire facility will cost $10.7 million minus financing, which will be determined in future meetings.

The planned facility replaces the police and fire departments' current digs, one that has been occupied for nearly 40 years but has become an inadequate space and constantly threatened by the rising Cannon River, officials say.

From the outset of the discussion, councilors favored the CIP-financed plan, save Councilor Suzie Nakasian's early support of the referendum option.

Nakasian switched her support after being persuaded by Councilor Betsey Buckheit's claim that the plan, requiring no direct referendum, sent a strong message that the center is a necessity.

Councilor Rhonda Pownell agreed. 

"It's time that we need to get it done," she said, while emphasizing that the council was still responsible for continually educating the public about its decisions.

The most expensive of the plans—the lease revenue bonds, which would require a higher interest rate but a shorter repayment term—was not considered, perhaps reflecting potential opposition over the $2 million extra the plan would cost.

In other news

Councilors also raised city fees for inspections and, after a review of his performance, said they planned to hire Interim City Administrator Tim Madigan for the permanent spot.

They also took a concrete step in resolving the board's issues with the Economic Development Authority. Councilors unanimously passed a movement by Buckheit to appoint a neutral party to interview councilors, EDA members, and staff in an effort to understand the issues from all sides before reporting their take to the council.

The review of Madigan, who has served as the city's top official for the last six months, took place at a closed council meeting the hour before the council's 7 p.m. meeting. In a summary of the council's review, Mayor Mary Rossing highlighted his guidance of the council.

"We believe that he has brought a great deal of stability to this community," she said. 

A committee responsible for the formal hiring process is due to convene in coming weeks.