By ADAM STEWART

Staff writer

Mike Padgett of Hillsboro Municipal Golf Course Board asked Hillsboro City Council Tuesday to fund the purchase of trees for the Hillsboro Municipal Golf Course costing $7,600.

About 40 trees on the city-owned course were killed in an ice storm in 2008, he said. Trees serve both aesthetic and safety purposes at the course. Trees protect golfers on greens and tee boxes from errant golf balls, and they beautify the course.

The city had $12,682 in an account set aside for trees, Mayor Delores Dalke said. However, Hillsboro Tree Board and the street department want funds for trees, too.

The golf course adds a lot to quality of life in the city, said council member Bob Watson. Many residents and visitors use the course.

Council member Shane Marler said he was concerned about using tax money for a project not everyone in the city uses.

Watson proposed the city pay half, $3,800, of the cost. Byron McCarty seconded the motion which passed, 4-0.

In other business:

• Property insurance premiums went up from $56,163 to $57,562 in 2009. John Kullman of Employer’s Mutual Casualty Company said the increase was because of an increase in insurable property values for the city. The council approved the insurance plan.
• American Legion received a liquor license renewal.