School district looks at building options
Discussion of the former AMPI building, currently owned by the City of Hillsboro, was one of the main topics of conversation July 17, during the Hillsboro City Council meeting.
Prior to a fire in the building several months ago, USD #410 had shown an interest in leasing a portion of the building. School officials recently looked at the building but are considering other options, Mayor Delores Dalke said.
The city had asked the school district to consider a lease of $900 per month for 11,000 square feet. It is estimated that the city spends $550 per month on the building.
A roof repair estimate of $90,625 was presented to the council for consideration, which did not include other repairs and clean-up.
Earlier estimates were more than $400,000, when damages to the building were not completely known.
The portion where Hillsboro Police Department is located has been cleaned. Other areas still need attention.
Councilman Shelby Dirks commented with these price quotes it would cost more to demolish and remove the building than to repair it and he wanted to see the repairs "worked into" the city's budget.
Dalke said the building already has been a good source of revenue for the city with the tenants.
Besides the police department, the building is leased by other companies for storage.
An annex building, located east of the main structure, currently is being leased by four businesses.
"It's been a good investment all the way around," Dalke said.
"Repairs would be made with the hopes of having an income (from leasing the building)," Dirks said.
Prior to roof repairs, soot needs to be removed from the roof to reduce the weight load.
When a ceiling was removed during clean-up, it was determined that a metal ceiling joist needed to be replaced and more general clean-up will be needed.
The council will discuss the building's future during its budget session.
