The subject of the now defunct Hillsville Rescue Squad came to the forefront once again during the Hillsville Town Council meeting on Aug. 27, this time focusing on the squad’s satellite station at 199 Carrollwood Drive. In the previous council meeting two weeks prior, the main topic of conversation had been the squad’s main station on Main Street.

This time, Pipers Gap District Councilman David Young, questioned who was responsible for the rescue squad building that sits on the land owned by John Nobili. Young said Nobili had allowed the rescue squad to place the building, which was purchased by the county, there 16 years ago, and has been paying the property tax on the building for the entire time. Nobili is interested in purchasing the building, but does not know who to contact, said Young. The rescue squad was disbanded six years ago.

In addition, Young pointed out that the town has been paying $66 a month to keep the property mowed, as well as $99 a month for mowing at the Main Street building. Mayor Greg Crowder directed interim Town Manager Judy Bolt to halt the mowing “immediately.” Later, Crowder said his figures revealed that the town has spent a total of $44,212 for mowing at the two properties for the past 16 years.

As to the ownership of the building, Town Attorney Andrea Tolbert said the building is still owned by the Hillsville Rescue Squad. “The rescue is disbanded, but the corporation remains,” said Tolbert. “It is a separate corporation; it is not associated with the Town of Hillsville.”

Greg Yonce, Laurel Fork District Councilman said, if that was the case, the building “should be the rescue squad’s responsibility.”

Ed Terry, Pine Creek District councilman, asked who then should Nobili contact about the building.

Tolbert said Nobili “should contact the rescue squad’s agent, Elizabeth Rakes.”