Firehouse Pizza takes care of tax bill

By Patrick Fisher, Staff Writer

Firehouse Pizza in Elko New Market paid back taxes of approximately $46,866 on Monday, April 6.

Bob Hanna owner of the business on the town's west side, explained that he was able to pay the taxes after refinancing with a Small Business Administration loan following a sheriff's sale on Tuesday, March 31. Hanna said his bank required the property to go through the sheriff's sale as part of a foreclosure in order to refinance the business.

With the paying of the taxes, Hanna also met a condition set by the Elko New Market City Council. The council had asked the taxes be paid so the business could retain its liquor license.

When Hanna did not meet a Monday, March 23, deadline for paying the taxes, the city scheduled a public hearing on Thursday, April 23, to consider revoking his liquor license. Since the taxes are now paid, the council could consider canceling that hearing at its Thursday, April 9, meeting.

Firehouse Pizza remains open and under Hanna's management. Hanna is a member of the city council, but has abstained from action concerning his liquor license.

The two year old business ran into financial difficulties last year when construction of Scott County Road 2 restricted access to his establishment. Hanna estimates business was down 50 to 60 percent during the three months County Road 2 was closed.

County Road 2 is scheduled to close again next week for up to two months to finish the project begun last July.