Highland County Commissioners discussed a recent grant awarded to the city of Hillsboro during their meeting on Wednesday.
Deputy Clerk Nicole Oberrecht said that the city applied for a competitive grant through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This application was in addition to the county’s CDBG allocation.
Hillsboro was ultimately awarded $300,000. Oberrecht said that CDBG received a total of 74 applications with the top 35 selected.
She said the grant will be used for infrastructure renovations on South East Street. Among the repairs, Oberrecht said, will be the replacement of the current curb and gutters.
Commissioner Shane Wilkin summarized the grant and upcoming project, saying that it was “good news for the city of Hillsboro.”
Also on Wednesday, commissioners said that an obsolete aircraft from the Highland County Sheriff’s Office was recently sold. Wilkin said Wednesday that the aircraft was placed on eBay, where it sold for $26,900. Commissioners passed a motion Wednesday to accept that sale price. The aircraft was bought by a resident of Florida, commissioner Tom Horst added. The buyer will pick up the plane next week.
Wilkin added that the aircraft was originally purchased in the early 2000s for $30,000.
Commissioners also discussed a need for recycling bins in the city of Hillsboro. Horst said commissioners are hoping to find a site that will be monitored in part by the location where the bins are placed. He added that while combatting abuse of the bins can be difficult, “A lot of people use them.”
“We need some place in the city of Hillsboro to help the citizens,” Horst said.
In other business, Wilkin said commissioners recently received a letter from the city concerning property annexation for “islands” of unannexed property within the city limits. Wilkin said a meeting will be organized with Liberty Township trustees to determine the best way to proceed.
Wilkin also said that commissioners received a memo from the county’s health insurance broker, United HealthCare. The memo, he said, stated that a “conversation (is) going” between United HealthCare and a local doctor group that is not in their network.
Commissioners also said Wednesday that they have completed the job description for the assistant director at Job and Family Services. They said they plan to post the description and hope to have the position filled by the first of November.
A salary has not yet been approved and will be determined based on education and experience, Wilkin said.
Commissioner Jeff Duncan said that repairs to the Highland County Justice Center roof are complete. He also said that improvements to the Hi-Tech Center are continuing. Horst added that the center’s parking lot will be closed on Saturday as it is being resealed and then restriped.
Duncan also said that upgrades are continuing at the Highland County Dog Pound. Commissioners added that Hedges Supply recently donated fixtures for the new bathrooms there.
Finally, among the resolutions passed on Wednesday was one concerning funds of $31,192.95 being transferred to the Board of Elections. Horst said that amount represents extra hours mandated by the state.
A previous resolution that included an incorrect amount was rescinded.
Reach Sarah Allen at 937-393-3456, ext. 1680, or on Twitter @SarahAllenHTG.
