Staff writer
The historic Hillsboro water tower will keep its stately profile after city council rejected a repair option that would have shortened the tank.
The council finished discussion on the fixing of the water tower after hearing that it would cost more to replace only one of two rings due to extra equipment needed.
According to Dan Hellar, it would cost about an extra $25,000 to run the tower with one less ring.
“To control water going into the tower wouldn’t be difficult,” Hellar told the council, “but to get the pressure coming back out of a shorter tower, you’ll have to put a booster pump in there.”
“When we are done, you will have a good tower that will serve you for many years,” Hellar said.
“It’s kind of a no-brainer,” city councilman Shelby Dirks said.
The council voted to move forward with fixing both rings of the water tower.
Hillsboro City Council approved the 2016 budget Tuesday which included an increase of the mill levy to 40.615, about six-tenths of a mill higher than 2015.
“Cost are down,” city administrator Larry Paine said, “but revenues are also down.”
The largest part of the minor mill increase was devoted to servicing the city’s debt.
The budget authorities expenditures of $8,077,351 for 2016.
In other business:
- City council voted to allow demolition of a piece of property on at 810 S. Washington St. that was on Parkside Home’s property.
- James Thomas was reappointed for another term to the Salem Home Board of Directors for another term, Doug Huxman was appointed for another term with Planning and Zoning. Ben Schmidt also was voted to replace Caleb Barkman on the Planning and Zoning committee.