Concerns voiced over county economic development effort

By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

The second time wasn’t a charm for the county’s development corporation, who again walked away without a commitment Tuesday from city council.

Russell Groves, of Marion County Economic Development Corporation, came back to the council to renew a proposal made at a prior meeting that Hillsboro commit $44,500 annually for five years to join the group.

“I’m inclined to do it for one year, not five,” council member Bob Watson said. “Obviously one year is not going to solve all problems.”

Some council members said they like the idea of Hillsboro and Marion working together, but are not comfortable with two economic development directors.

“I don’t see us duplicating services at all,” Groves said.

Council member Byron McCarty said he had talked to 15 business owners, and 13 of them opposed the city joining the corporation.

The matter was tabled until after the city budget is finalized next month.

Council members reviewed the 2018 budget as developed so far.

City administrator Larry Paine said he’s still working on the budget, and changes can be made.

The proposed budget is $9.3 million.

The mill levy for the proposed budget is 48.499, compared to 42.826 for the 2017 budget.

Hillsboro will get a new basketball court between the Hillsboro Museum Visitors’ Center and the Scout House on Birch Street.

A special committee appointed by Mayor Deloris Dallke recommended the location and will raise private funds to build it.

After an executive session to discuss trade secrets, council members voted to waive rent for Salem Home through October.