FILLMORE : Veterans Memorial Hall May Stay Open

After state budget cuts threatened to close the doors of the Veterans Memorial Building in Fillmore, officials now say the city’s most popular community meeting hall will remain open to the public.

A subcommittee of two city officials and two Memorial Building District Board members met last week to discuss a joint-powers agreement.

“It’s a win-win situation for everyone,” said Fillmore subcommittee member and Mayor Michael McMahon. The agreement is now being reviewed by the city attorney.

Memorial district Board President Charles Hanna said the district needs financial help from the city to compensate for the district’s expected loss of property tax revenue. Without city help, the building at 511 2nd St. would close Jan. 1. District officials had also discussed closing the building for several months a year.

Under the agreement, the city will assume the cost for such things as liability insurance premiums and the salary for building manager, Jon Holley. In return, Holley could help manage city facilities.