Council passes '14 budget, establishes salaried positions
Lead Summary
By
Caitlin Forsha-crforsha@gmail.com
Before the passage of five resolutions and ordinances involving city finances, Hillsboro City Council members, along with city administrators, opened the December council meeting by honoring retiring Hillsboro Police Chief Nick Thompson.
Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings read a proclamation in Thompson's honor and "in celebration of his retirement," which Hastings called "bittersweet."
Thompson retired as police chief on Nov. 30 after 26 years as chief of police, and a reception in his honor was held on Dec. 6.
"It's obvious that Nick has a lot of friends and a lot of fans in this community," Hastings said.
Interim Police Chief Todd Whited returned Thompson's weaponry, and Hastings said Thompson would also be given his police uniform.
Hastings also presented Thompson with a plaque from the city of Hillsboro in recognition of "outstanding service" and a medal of merit "for all of his years and for his distinguished service to our city and its citizens."
"We hope we can call on you whenever the need arises, and please don't be a stranger," Hastings said.
Thompson replied that he doesn't "plan to be a stranger" and addressed council and city administration.
"I want to thank everybody that I've had a good relationship with the city of Hillsboro," Thompson said. "I've had a lot of support over the years from city council and the various administrations I had to work with."
Thompson thanked his family members for their years of support.
"Behind every man is a good woman," Thompson said. "I've got four good women, my wife and my three daughters. Without them, I couldn't have done this job."
Thompson also thanked his "second family" at the Hillsboro Police Department.
"It's been an honor and a pleasure, and I'm very proud of the city," Thompson said.
"On behalf of city council, I'd like to thank you for your service," council president Lee Koogler said. "You will be missed."
Thompson received a standing ovation from council members, administration and citizens in attendance.
In what was the final council meeting for four of its members, Hillsboro City Council unanimously approved the city's proposed 2014 budget as presented.
Finance committee chair Pete Pence said that the committee voted 3-0 to recommend its passage after two meetings to discuss the budget.
In his report, safety and service director Todd Wilkin told council that the new annual budget will "help in making great strides toward improvements to our city."
The budget includes $1,909,000 for general governmental services; $2,310,000 for security of persons and property; $19,500 for public health services; $500 for social services; and $25,000 for community environment. (Click here for the complete budget.)
One of the most notable items on the city's budget, according to city auditor Gary Lewis, is "funding for public access TV."
"This is something that has been completely cut out of the budget for several years now," Lewis said.
Lewis said that the $8,500 budgeted for the channel will be used "to make the station more attractive and more informative, and it will be of better benefit to the community as a whole."
Lewis also said that the budget allows for street projects on Moore Road, John Street, East and West Walnut Streets, North Elm Street and South East Street.
"It will be more than the city has paid in street improvements in cash than any other time in the last 10 years," Lewis said.
Lewis said other projects the city hopes to pursue include improvements to Harry Sauner Road in preparation for the proposed Smith/Hobart Drive plan, along with wastewater treatment improvements.
Council also passed "an ordinance to establish salaries and wages of department heads and assistants," which sets seven positions as salaried employees.
Under this ordinance, "salaried employees shall be compensated as follows: Chief of Police, $65,000; Captain of Police, $60,000; Street Superintendent, $54,600; Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent, $61,800; Collection and Distribution Systems Supervisor, $54,600; Tax Commissioner, $43,100; [and] Water Treatment Plant Superintendent, $63,600."
"This is something that has been talked about for some time," Lewis said.
Pence said the finance committee voted 3-0 to recommend the ordinance's passage to council. The ordinance passed by a 7-0 vote.
• • •
In the mayor's report, Hastings announced that in addition to swearing in Whited as interim police chief, a new police officer has been hired.
Hastings also told council that the city has contracted with an individual who will assist with "efforts to preserve and renovate the historic parts of uptown and the rest of Hillsboro" and to assist the planning commission.
Hastings concluded by praising the grand re-opening of the Hillsboro Kroger, held last Thursday, as a testament to the company's faith in the city.
"They obviously believe in this city, they believe it's money well-spent and they believe in the future of this town," Hastings said.
In the planning commission report, Hastings announced that the commission accepted the resignation of commission chairman Dave Lowell, and that their recent meeting involved looking at zoning issues.
In the safety and service director's report, Wilkin made the following announcements:
• Wilkin told council that "the city has decided to utilize some of the money saved by joining the [Paint Creek Joint Fire/EMS] district" for the following projects: five major street improvement projects; hiring more police officers; economic development; and wastewater repair and construction.
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• Wilkin informed council that the only bid the city received for employee insurance came from the Hukill Hazlett Harrington Agency of Cincinnati. Pence told council that the finance committee looked at the employee insurance plan during a recent meeting and voted 3-0 to recommend its approval.
• The city met with Senator Bob Peterson regarding capital improvements and building sidewalks. Wilkin said the city is looking into a sidewalk that would extend "from Alley 21 all the way out to Liberty Park."
"If an individual would want to get on their bicycle or walk from uptown to Liberty Park, it is possible, but it is not safe to do so without sidewalks being present all the way through town," Wilkin said.
Council member Bill Alexander asked Wilkin if the city had considered constructing a sidewalk "on the other side of town," toward the high school and elementary school. Wilkin said that "the cost is overwhelming" to get over the viaduct on route 62, and Koogler agreed.
• New curbs, storm catch basins and other sidewalk improvements are being constructed on South High Street between Walnut and South Street, Wilkin said.
• The Neptune water meters discussed at previous council meetings will be installed in January "or as soon as they arrive."
• The city has reached an agreement with Julie Wise of Highland County Community Action to assist with the city's 2013 CHIP grant.
Property maintenance and restoration committee chair Bonnie Parr said that she and fellow committee member Pence met with Robyn Coomer and Diane Uhl of the Highland County Board of Realtors regarding the city's proposed Chapter 165 vacant commercial building ordinance. Parr said that the Realtors suggested a number of changes, and she and Pence voted to table the ordinance until it can be rewritten.
In other action, council unanimously approved a resolution to authorize the auditor to make the following transfers:
• From General Fund, $686,000 to Street Fund, $310,000; Police Pension, $126,000; and General Bond Retirement, $250,000;
• From Water Revenue Fund, $416,204 to Water Replacement, $30,000; Water Debt Retirement, $376,204; and Water Improvement, $10,000; and
• From Sewer Revenue Fund, $984,512 to Sewer Replacement, $30,000; Sewer Improvement, $124,000; and Sewer Debt Retirement, $830,512.
Council voted 7-0 to authorize the auditor to increase appropriations in the 209 Rehab Fund by $20,000.
Council also voted 7-0 to increase appropriations in the General Fund and to advance funds from the General Fund to other funds as needed.
"This is passed at the end of year and allows my office to make transfers, if necessary, to other funds if there appears there might be a shortfall," Lewis said. "It also allows us to transfer monies from one department to another in order to erase any negative numbers that might exist."
Council heard comments from one citizen, Jay Patel, the owner of the Hillsboro Days Inn. Patel addressed council regarding a high water bill. Koogler told Patel that council "gave up some of the regulatory power they had before" and said that he would have to go through the water department and the safety and service director.
Wilkin told Patel that he would continue to look into the matter and that he would meet with him again early next year.
Council members Rod Daniels, Parr, Pence and Brian Waller, who participated in their final meeting, thanked Koogler, fellow council members and city administration for the opportunity to work with them throughout their respective tenures.
Hastings thanked council members for their service.
"Every council member here, I've learned from, either about the human condition, or compromise, or politics," Hastings said. "I thank each one of you for that."
Koogler thanked each council member individually for their service throughout the meeting and concluded the meeting by addressing the current city council as a whole.
"It's been a real pleasure and privilege to serve with each of you," Koogler said. "I know we've always done our best to work together. I know there were times we've agreed, there were times we've disagreed, but I've never had a moment, I don't think, where we've not been civil with one another.
"You've been willing to step up and run for office and have been fortunate enough to be elected and to serve. I have the utmost respect for each of you, and I wish you all well."
Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings read a proclamation in Thompson's honor and "in celebration of his retirement," which Hastings called "bittersweet."
Thompson retired as police chief on Nov. 30 after 26 years as chief of police, and a reception in his honor was held on Dec. 6.
"It's obvious that Nick has a lot of friends and a lot of fans in this community," Hastings said.
Interim Police Chief Todd Whited returned Thompson's weaponry, and Hastings said Thompson would also be given his police uniform.
Hastings also presented Thompson with a plaque from the city of Hillsboro in recognition of "outstanding service" and a medal of merit "for all of his years and for his distinguished service to our city and its citizens."
"We hope we can call on you whenever the need arises, and please don't be a stranger," Hastings said.
Thompson replied that he doesn't "plan to be a stranger" and addressed council and city administration.
"I want to thank everybody that I've had a good relationship with the city of Hillsboro," Thompson said. "I've had a lot of support over the years from city council and the various administrations I had to work with."
Thompson thanked his family members for their years of support.
"Behind every man is a good woman," Thompson said. "I've got four good women, my wife and my three daughters. Without them, I couldn't have done this job."
Thompson also thanked his "second family" at the Hillsboro Police Department.
"It's been an honor and a pleasure, and I'm very proud of the city," Thompson said.
"On behalf of city council, I'd like to thank you for your service," council president Lee Koogler said. "You will be missed."
Thompson received a standing ovation from council members, administration and citizens in attendance.
In what was the final council meeting for four of its members, Hillsboro City Council unanimously approved the city's proposed 2014 budget as presented.
Finance committee chair Pete Pence said that the committee voted 3-0 to recommend its passage after two meetings to discuss the budget.
In his report, safety and service director Todd Wilkin told council that the new annual budget will "help in making great strides toward improvements to our city."
The budget includes $1,909,000 for general governmental services; $2,310,000 for security of persons and property; $19,500 for public health services; $500 for social services; and $25,000 for community environment. (Click here for the complete budget.)
One of the most notable items on the city's budget, according to city auditor Gary Lewis, is "funding for public access TV."
"This is something that has been completely cut out of the budget for several years now," Lewis said.
Lewis said that the $8,500 budgeted for the channel will be used "to make the station more attractive and more informative, and it will be of better benefit to the community as a whole."
Lewis also said that the budget allows for street projects on Moore Road, John Street, East and West Walnut Streets, North Elm Street and South East Street.
"It will be more than the city has paid in street improvements in cash than any other time in the last 10 years," Lewis said.
Lewis said other projects the city hopes to pursue include improvements to Harry Sauner Road in preparation for the proposed Smith/Hobart Drive plan, along with wastewater treatment improvements.
Council also passed "an ordinance to establish salaries and wages of department heads and assistants," which sets seven positions as salaried employees.
Under this ordinance, "salaried employees shall be compensated as follows: Chief of Police, $65,000; Captain of Police, $60,000; Street Superintendent, $54,600; Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent, $61,800; Collection and Distribution Systems Supervisor, $54,600; Tax Commissioner, $43,100; [and] Water Treatment Plant Superintendent, $63,600."
"This is something that has been talked about for some time," Lewis said.
Pence said the finance committee voted 3-0 to recommend the ordinance's passage to council. The ordinance passed by a 7-0 vote.
• • •
In the mayor's report, Hastings announced that in addition to swearing in Whited as interim police chief, a new police officer has been hired.
Hastings also told council that the city has contracted with an individual who will assist with "efforts to preserve and renovate the historic parts of uptown and the rest of Hillsboro" and to assist the planning commission.
Hastings concluded by praising the grand re-opening of the Hillsboro Kroger, held last Thursday, as a testament to the company's faith in the city.
"They obviously believe in this city, they believe it's money well-spent and they believe in the future of this town," Hastings said.
In the planning commission report, Hastings announced that the commission accepted the resignation of commission chairman Dave Lowell, and that their recent meeting involved looking at zoning issues.
In the safety and service director's report, Wilkin made the following announcements:
• Wilkin told council that "the city has decided to utilize some of the money saved by joining the [Paint Creek Joint Fire/EMS] district" for the following projects: five major street improvement projects; hiring more police officers; economic development; and wastewater repair and construction.
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• Wilkin informed council that the only bid the city received for employee insurance came from the Hukill Hazlett Harrington Agency of Cincinnati. Pence told council that the finance committee looked at the employee insurance plan during a recent meeting and voted 3-0 to recommend its approval.
• The city met with Senator Bob Peterson regarding capital improvements and building sidewalks. Wilkin said the city is looking into a sidewalk that would extend "from Alley 21 all the way out to Liberty Park."
"If an individual would want to get on their bicycle or walk from uptown to Liberty Park, it is possible, but it is not safe to do so without sidewalks being present all the way through town," Wilkin said.
Council member Bill Alexander asked Wilkin if the city had considered constructing a sidewalk "on the other side of town," toward the high school and elementary school. Wilkin said that "the cost is overwhelming" to get over the viaduct on route 62, and Koogler agreed.
• New curbs, storm catch basins and other sidewalk improvements are being constructed on South High Street between Walnut and South Street, Wilkin said.
• The Neptune water meters discussed at previous council meetings will be installed in January "or as soon as they arrive."
• The city has reached an agreement with Julie Wise of Highland County Community Action to assist with the city's 2013 CHIP grant.
Property maintenance and restoration committee chair Bonnie Parr said that she and fellow committee member Pence met with Robyn Coomer and Diane Uhl of the Highland County Board of Realtors regarding the city's proposed Chapter 165 vacant commercial building ordinance. Parr said that the Realtors suggested a number of changes, and she and Pence voted to table the ordinance until it can be rewritten.
In other action, council unanimously approved a resolution to authorize the auditor to make the following transfers:
• From General Fund, $686,000 to Street Fund, $310,000; Police Pension, $126,000; and General Bond Retirement, $250,000;
• From Water Revenue Fund, $416,204 to Water Replacement, $30,000; Water Debt Retirement, $376,204; and Water Improvement, $10,000; and
• From Sewer Revenue Fund, $984,512 to Sewer Replacement, $30,000; Sewer Improvement, $124,000; and Sewer Debt Retirement, $830,512.
Council voted 7-0 to authorize the auditor to increase appropriations in the 209 Rehab Fund by $20,000.
Council also voted 7-0 to increase appropriations in the General Fund and to advance funds from the General Fund to other funds as needed.
"This is passed at the end of year and allows my office to make transfers, if necessary, to other funds if there appears there might be a shortfall," Lewis said. "It also allows us to transfer monies from one department to another in order to erase any negative numbers that might exist."
Council heard comments from one citizen, Jay Patel, the owner of the Hillsboro Days Inn. Patel addressed council regarding a high water bill. Koogler told Patel that council "gave up some of the regulatory power they had before" and said that he would have to go through the water department and the safety and service director.
Wilkin told Patel that he would continue to look into the matter and that he would meet with him again early next year.
Council members Rod Daniels, Parr, Pence and Brian Waller, who participated in their final meeting, thanked Koogler, fellow council members and city administration for the opportunity to work with them throughout their respective tenures.
Hastings thanked council members for their service.
"Every council member here, I've learned from, either about the human condition, or compromise, or politics," Hastings said. "I thank each one of you for that."
Koogler thanked each council member individually for their service throughout the meeting and concluded the meeting by addressing the current city council as a whole.
"It's been a real pleasure and privilege to serve with each of you," Koogler said. "I know we've always done our best to work together. I know there were times we've agreed, there were times we've disagreed, but I've never had a moment, I don't think, where we've not been civil with one another.
"You've been willing to step up and run for office and have been fortunate enough to be elected and to serve. I have the utmost respect for each of you, and I wish you all well."