Staff writer
Faced with a price tag of $2,800 for additional work, Hillsboro City Council voted Tuesday to decline the option of painting the town’s name in 33-inch lettering as part of its water tower repairs.
“I like the idea of having it; I don’t know if I like the $3,000,” councilman Bob Watson said.
The city was deciding between two change orders to the repair: one for a net increase of $37,980, the other — with lettering — for $40,780.
“Let me make it easy for you,” administrator Larry Paine said. “I’m recommending the cheaper option.”
Council members approved the cheaper option, bringing the repair total to $197,340.
In other business, city attorney Joshua Boehm said he would send letters to landowners who haven’t kept up with building condemnation proceedings.
Building code inspector Ben Steketee was not in attendance, but Boehm relayed Steketee’s observation that progress made on the former Prime Time gas station had been halted.
Boehm said the city had to decide whether it wanted to raze the properties, which include the former convenience store, and properties on B St., Maple St., Washington St., and Cedar St.
“If they are to be razed,” he said, “then my recommendation is to move quickly on that.”
When asked whether the city could take ownership of properties once razed, Boehm said it would have to be as part of a settlement.