By ADAM STEWART

Staff writer

Hillsboro City Council approved a change to the reconstruction of Ash Street Tuesday. At the recommendation of the federal highway administration, the council changed the project to replace the old road surface entirely with full-depth concrete.

City Administrator Larry Paine said the change would likely cost the city an extra $125,000, but it will save maintenance time and expense.

City street director Dale Dalke agreed with the recommendation for full-depth concrete, Paine said.

In other business:

• Curtis and Christie McBride received a cereal malt beverage license for the bowling alley. The McBrides also own bowling alleys in Peabody and Herington.
• Fire Chief Ben Steketee received permission to sign a contract to create a primary first response unit in the city.
• The city will have a budget work session at 4 p.m. Tuesday. The budget hearing will be at the Aug. 3 council meeting.
• Auditor Scot Loyd presented the 2009 audit. The only significant deficiency the city has is a lack of segregation of financial duties. There were no cash basis or budget violations in 2009, he said.
• Raymond Matz requested the city clear a drain at the west end of Grand Avenue. The clogged drain has created a breeding ground for mosquitoes.