By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–From requests at Helena Middle School, school officials have asked the city of Helena to approve a fencing project around the HMS football field.

The request comes after multiple instances of vandalism to the field from people driving recreation vehicles onto the field without permission.

The construction of a fence would help alleviate this problem, and a resolution was passed at the March 2 Helena City Council meeting.

“They’ve had a lot of problems with people driving up and doing damage to the field,” said Councilman Mike Jones. “They have asked us for assistance since the school does not have the funds needed to build the fence.”

The project was approved with the price not to exceed $15,000 to build the fence paid from the one-cent sales school fund.

Helena Mayor Mark Hall clarified that the $15,000 is not being taken away from other project funds or the general budget.

“Just to make things clear, this money is not coming from other project money such as paving or general funds,” said Hall. “This is coming from the one-cent bond and repayment fees the discretionary fund the council has so we aren’t taking from other projects.”

The funding for the project was approved to expedite the process so construction on the fence could start sooner.