Project overrun prompts budget adjustment
Staff reporter
A budget amendment is needed to balance the city's budget.
According to Hillsboro City Administrator Larry Paine at the Nov. 20 meeting, "life happens" and an overrun of costs for the Adams Street project will require the budget amendment.
There was $600,000 budgeted in the capital improvement fund for the project but costs ended up being $770,000.
A public hearing will be held at 4 p.m. Dec. 18, the regular meeting time and day of the council, to amend the budget.
Paine assured the council that this budget increase would not affect any of the city's tax levies.
The council approved the hearing date and time.
In other business:
— The council approved a utility bill insert policy which would only allow inserts regarding city activities or those activities directly related to the city such as the Hillsboro Arts & Crafts Fair and REC activities.
The city recently was criticized for not allowing the insertion of fund-raising information in city bills which prompted the need for a policy.
— Paine asked the council to consider increasing city charges for water meters and other city services.
Currently the city charges $100 to set a water meter which costs the city $650, Paine said. The city needs to charge enough to cover the cost of the meter.
Paine also noted that the cost of the connection is more than the current fee.
An updated fee schedule will be presented at a future meeting.
— Assistant police chief Jessey Hiebert was recognized for 10 years of service to the city.
The next regular city council meeting is at 4 p.m. Tuesday at city hall.
