T
he Hillsboro City Council approved two pieces of legislation related to real estate during their first readings and received updates on the Roberts Lane extension progress and city water emergency at their Thursday, Nov. 14 meeting.

    A resolution authorizing the mayor to purchase a lot on North High Street for a municipal parking lot was passed with a 5-2 vote, despite concerns about a potential conflict of interest due to the current owner's relationship with Mayor Justin Harsha. The council voted to suspend the three-reading rule and pass the legislation by emergency to immediately acquire the property.

    The city plans to purchase the .227-acre parcel for $110,000, which aligns with the Imagine Hillsboro plan and aims to boost the local economy, assist downtown businesses, and improve accessibility and safety. The council also approved an ordinance transferring real property to the Hillsboro Community Improvement Corporation by a 7-0 vote.

    In other business, the council heard updates on several ongoing projects, including the Roberts Lane extension, which is expected to be completed soon with the installation of electric for the traffic light and street lighting. The city will also close access to Pea Ridge Road from state Route 73 due to safety concerns.

    The council was informed that the city's water reserves are at a 72-day supply, prompting a continued Phase II water emergency. Brianne Abbott advised residents to be mindful of their water usage, as the drought has affected the supply.

    Abbott also provided updates on several projects, including the Crossroads Park project, which received $5.2 million in state funding and is expected to break ground soon. The city has also secured $100,000 in state capital funding for the project through a partnership with Southern State Community College.

    The council discussed and agreed to change the date of their December meeting from Dec. 12 to Dec. 23 due to a public hearing scheduled for Nov. 18 on a proposed Tax Increment Financing district for the Fairground Road area.

    In other news, the city will reject all bids for proposed citywide waste collection after more research is conducted and may rebid in the future. The council also received a report from Highland County Health Commissioner Jared Warner stressing the need for physical activity to improve health outcomes in the county and discussed a letter from a resident regarding an alleged code enforcement issue at a neighboring residence.