Harrisville council approves parameters to seek $3.5 million in bonds for police and public safety building

Harrisville City Council on Tuesday adopted a parameters resolution authorizing the city to pursue up to $3.5 million in sales and franchise tax revenue bonds to help fund a proposed police and public safety building.

Council members approved the measure by roll call after an extended presentation and public comment on the project’s costs, design and ongoing city finances. The vote recorded Councilmember Faucette, Councilmember Kristensen and Councilmember Jackson in favor; Councilmember Hamilton also voted yes; Councilmember Weiss was excused. The resolution authorizes a bond issue not to exceed $3,500,000 in principal, a maximum maturity of 26 years and a maximum interest rate of 6.5 percent; it is a parameters resolution that starts the public process but does not obligate the city to close on the bonds.

City staff and the police chief told the council the existing city hall building (constructed 1989) was not designed to meet current police operational needs. Presenters described limited, steep stair access to the basement, cramped evidence and interview rooms,…