Senior center plans to replace old heating, cooling

Hillsboro Senior Center wants to replace a 21-year-old heating and air-conditioning system that heats and cools the center’s kitchen, bathrooms, and part of its dining room.

The current system was installed in 1993. The air conditioning had a Freon line that went bad during the summer. The center had it patched to get through the summer, board member Ron Warkentine said.

The heater has functioned adequately, but it is inefficient. Warkentine also said a heater that old becomes a carbon monoxide risk.

An estimate for the work came in around $6,000, Warkentine said. The center is looking for additional bids on the work.

This is the third consecutive year with a major capital project for the center, head cook Janis Wright said. The water heater was replaced about this time last year, and flooring was replaced two years ago. The center also has tentative plans to replace kitchen countertops.

Hillsboro Senior Center serves between 80 and 100 meals, including meals on wheels, most days, Wright said.