City council reviews proposed budget
Hillsboro City Council met Tuesday evening and spent most of its time reviewing a working budget presented by city administrator Steve Garrett. The consensus of the council was to review the budget at 4 p.m. Friday at a work session at the city building. City council work sessions are open to the public.
According to Garrett, work has begun on the Lincoln Street project, and the South Main project might be finished as early as Thursday.
After no report by Hillsboro Management Board, the council discussed the entity.
"I recommend we reorganize HMB. I have received many complaints about HMB," said council member Len Coryea. "I think the city should take it over and it should be managed by the city administrator."
Coryea also expressed his view that Hillsboro Management Board is operating in violation of city ordinance.
"I've had many complaints, too," said council member Shelby Dirks.
Mayor Delores Dalke recommended talking about the issue during the budget review.
"The same subject will be opened up in the budget talks," she said.
However, the issue of Hillsboro Management Board was not addressed again.
Dirks brought up the issue of street repair on Ash Street. According to Garrett, some of the holes have repaired.
"Do we have summer help who can do this [repair the holes]?" asked Dirks.
"It will be addressed," Garrett said.
Coryea asked what is being done about dogs running loose in the city.
According to city attorney Dan Baldwin, the city has a provision for this issue.
"A citizen can file a complaint by calling the police," he said. "The ordinance provides for a fine and the removal from the city of vicious dogs. It takes a hearing and citizens need to step up and make complaints."
"Patrons need to call police," said Garrett. "Dogs in the city are to be leashed and under control."
In other business council:
— Approved Ordinance No. 1108 which allows the city to budget property tax revenues in an amount which exceeds the 2005 budget if necessary.
— Approved Policy No. 20 which establishes policy and procedures regarding the operation of the campground in Memorial Park.
— Approved paying vouchers and checks of $211,154.52.
— Approved issuing a cereal malt beverage license to Alco.
