Hillsboro sets deadline
for cleaning up property
Staff writer
Hillsboro council members have given Edward and Phyllis Richert until the first week in November to address conditions at their property at 314 N. Jefferson.
Council unanimously approved an abatement resolution last week after a public hearing over junk vehicles, an unsafe accessory structure, and other conditions.
The city can do the work after the deadline passes, or the council could grant more time if substantial progress is made, city attorney Andrew Kovar said.
“We’re not willing to allow this to continue without some work being done on it and some serious progress being made,” Mayor Lou Thurston said.
In other business last week, council members increased authorization from $5.375 million to $5.5 million the amount to be borrowed for new fire station.
The effective interest rate on the borrowing was higher, requiring the $125,000 increase, financial adviser Greg Vahrenberg of Raymond James said.
Of the $5.5 million in bonded debt, $4.58 million will go toward the project. The 30-year bonds carry an average 5.26% interest cost. Payment will begin in 2029. The city can begin paying the bonds early without penalty in 2035.
Council members also heard a draft development plan by Stantec paid for by a grant through Flint Hills Regional Council. The grant covered the plan’s cost to Hillsboro.
Recommendations included better pedestrian and bicycle connections between Tabor College and downtown, improved crosswalks, downtown beautification, and assistance for small businesses.