Bicknell council reviews CIB wish list, rural hospital tax allocation and approves bills

At the March 5 meeting the Bicknell Town Council discussed several local budget and service items, including CIB priorities, a county pavement audit, the newly passed rural hospital tax and the routine motion to pay town bills.

Council members compiled a CIB wish list with items such as a wider mower or tractor, a new fence and mower for the cemetery, picnic tables and electrical upgrades at the park, and possible storage building ideas. Council member Carrie said a community parks grant application for picnic tables and electrical work was nearly complete with an estimated request of about $17,000 and that she was waiting on a letter of support from the county commissioners.

The chair summarized the county’s new rural hospital tax distribution and how it affects ambulance funding: "18% will go to the EMS department, 18 to the fire district, 18 to search and rescue, 18 to the landfill, 2% to Loa, Lyman, Bicknell, Torrey, and Hanksville for ambulance services," the chair said. Councilors debated whether 2% is an adequate share for the town and discussed administrative details about collections and allocations.

The council also heard that the county will perform a pavement safety audit this summer and that town staff should accompany county personnel during street inspections to evaluate needed repairs. After review of the bills, a motion to pay the bills was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: CIB and county allocations affect the town’s ability to fund small capital projects and maintenance; the rural hospital tax changes ambulance funding and could reduce the town’s direct ambulance costs if allocations and reimbursements operate as projected.

What’s next: Staff will pursue required letters of support for grants, coordinate with county pavement auditors, and process payments as authorized by the council.