Minnesota’s Senate Taxes Committee on Wednesday heard a bill from Sen. Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo) that would provide the city of Monticello a sales tax exemption for materials, supplies, and equipment used during construction of the communities proposed new fire hall.

“Monticello is long overdue for a new fire hall,” said Sen. Anderson. “Providing this small sales tax exemption will allow the city to use their resources more effectively and efficiently during construction, and ultimately, help them serve their citizens as best as possible.”

Monticello’s current fire station is more than 30 years old, and it no longer meets the needs of the community and the fire department. In December 2018 the Monticello City Council approved plans and specifications for the new fire station. In January 2019, the City Council authorized a $4.1 million contract for the construction.

Construction of the new fire hall is set to begin this spring and will be completed by February 2020.

Senate File 1676 was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2019 Tax bill.