Ellen CookLeader Editor
The first hat has been tossed into the candidacy ring. mark Bingham, current councilman, announced at the beginning of last week’s Honeyville City Council meeting he has decided to seek reelection.“I was not going to run,” he said, “but after the demand last month to hold a referendum on the biodiesel plant, I am. I want the word to go out that this is my referendum on the biodiesel plant. If there are some in town that feel we, the council, did wrong (in approving the industrial rezone) then don’t vote for me.”Bingham said he has done a lot of research on this type of plant and its operation and has been told by many citizens, who feel it is a good addition to the city, to see that the process moves forward.Mayor David Forsgren gave a nod of approval to Bingham’s statement and added, “If others want a voice in city government, they have until July 15, at 5 p.m., to sign up.”Forsgren said there are several council seats up for election in Honeyville this year, including three four-year terms (Richie Aoki, mark Bingham and Craig Gardner) and one two-year term (David Lee). Candidates must apply in person at Honeyville City Hall, beginning July 1. They must be at least 18, a registered voter of Honeyville and a resident for 12 months preceding the election.Forsgren noted, due to a recently past senate bill, if only four qualified candidates apply and there is no opposition for any seats, no election will need to be held, saving the city money on costs to Box Elder County, who will be handling electoral services.Forsgren also took the time to clear up a rumor that has been circulating through the city. “Contrary to the rumor,” he said, “Yvonne and I are not going on an LDS mission and Richie (Mayor Pro Tem Richie Aoki) is not taking over as mayor.”The upcoming election was not the only item of the agenda, however. the council approved the final adjustment to this year’s budget, making sure it balanced before the end of the fiscal year on June 30. They also reviewed the proposed budget for the upcoming year, and after some discussion on capital improvement projects and employee wages, the new budget was adopted. the budget includes a $1.50 an hour wage hike for the three city employees. Suggested capital improvement projects included playground equipment at the Eastside Park, as well as money for fire equipment and a snowplow.
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