Excess Money So Taxes Cut
The other major money matter of Delk's term was the reduction of the city's tax rate. Through wise and safe investments first by treasurer Vic Peterson then later by the town councils and clerks, the city had accumulated excess funds. To help use up those funds tax rates were dropped by 17% in March of 1975.
Also, to use up funds, a $100,000 sewer project was begun. The project was to upgrade some of the city's 8" water mains to 12" pipes. The purpose for upgrading the pipe was to allow for the city's expanded growth that had been faster than was anticipated in the early 1960's.
In January 1978, Lawrence Hopper took office as mayor for the second time. City council members elected were Richard Hall, Kent Forbes, Larry Spain, Larry Fleck, and Steven Carroll. Carroll, however, moved out of Pleasant Hill before he was sworn in as a councilman. Paul Carrico won a special election to fill the vacant seat. He took office in February. Councilman Spain later resigned and was replaced by Kermit Marsh in January, 1979.
A new city clerk was hired in 1978. Ruth Kuehl, who had been clerk since 1975, resigned in April 1978. Mark Miller was hired the next July. He has remained as city clerk today. The city also changed attorneys. Don Swanson, Pleasant Hill's legal advisor since 1962, was replaced by Pat Payton in February 1979. Phil Hildebrand, director of public works for 17 years, resigned about the same time. Ron Brandt, who is the current director, was hired to replace Hildebrand.
The Pleasant Hill Police Department underwent some changes in the late 1970's. Chief Charles Dales was replaced in October 1978 by Charles Swertfager. The new chief had a department of a sergeant, three full time officers and six part time officers. Robert Woods was the sergeant. In 1979, Woods was promoted to chief of police.
Between the founding of the volunteer fire department in 1959 and 1972, there had been only two fire chiefs, Ralph Grant and Cliff Lex. In February 1972 Ivan Sharp was selected as chief and the town council approved. Sharp was chief until November 1975, when Dick Israel was elected. Israel held the position for one year. Evan Nichol then was chosen chief in 1976 and continued until 1979.
Peacefulness, Friendliness
Attract Newcomers
The early 1970's seemed a continuation of the previous ten years. The theme was growth and people continued to move to Pleasant Hill. Between 1970 and 1974 the population rose by 65.5%. New sections of the town were platted and developed for the people who felt that Pleasant Hill had some basic attributes for peaceful living. These attractions were a low crime rate, stable home and property values, a small-town atmosphere, and low taxes.
Many people moved from Des Moines. Earl and Pam Crabb said they liked Pleasant Hill's peacefulness. William and Agnes Kovacs, who moved into the area, commented, "We have the closeness and friendliness of a small town, yet the privacy of a city."
As the decade progressed, the rate of growth declined. The general economic conditions and rising price of gasoline undoubtedly contributed to the decline. However, at no time has growth come to a halt.
The town grew in size as well as in population. Rural areas to the east of town were annexed since that was (and is) the anticipated direction of growth. Also annexed was an area north of Highway 163. Much of this land was zoned industrial as part of the city's effort to diversify its tax base. The same concerns that began the decade were still being expressed at the end of the 1970's.