Hillsboro clears $5.4 million for fire station

By JUDD WEIL

Staff writer

Hillsboro City Council members voted Tuesday to authorize up to $5.375 million in bonds for a new fire and public safety station.

Hillsboro used the public building commission to issue revenue bonds, then leased the station from the commission. Under Kansas law, that does not require an automatic public vote unless protest petitioned.

The final interest rate will be set Sept. 9, with closing scheduled Sept. 29.

Council members also adopted a $12.2 million budget carrying a 40.990-mill property tax rate, up 2.055 mills from this year. About 2 mills will pay debt on the fire station.

That portion will add $23 annually to taxes on a $100,000 home, $36.80 on a $160,000 home, and $46 on a $200,000 home.

The budget maintains current operations and adds no employees.

Sanitation superintendent Jake Duerksen reported that one of the city’s three garbage trucks was out of service with a failed computer.

Council members directed Duerksen and city administrator Danielle Bartel to sell 107 unused 35-gallon trash and recycling carts that are too small for the trucks’ automated arms.

Council members also approved a final plat for developer Darrell Driggers’ planned three-duplex development. Mayor Lou Thurston recused himself.

Bartel reported that Hillsboro employees helped Durham operate its water system while Durham was without an operator.

Supports have been installed for Hillsboro’s solar project. Racks and solar modules will be installed next.