Local News

Hillsboro to Apply for HUD Grant

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 09:33:56 CST

Prior to their regular meeting Tuesday evening, the Hillsboro City Council hosted a public hearing on a proposed Community Development Block Grant for Housing Rehabilitation in the city.

The city will apply to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for the grant by December 15. The funds will be used to rehabilitate up to ten homes located in the 600 block of Eccles, Leva, Anna, Virginia, Park, Beal and Railroad Streets; the 1100 to 1400 blocks of School Street between Eccles and Railroad streets; and the 1100 to 1400 blocks of East Tremont Street between Eccles and Railroad streets. The total amount offered, if awarded, is $500,000.

Tom Dunham, the city's agent for the grant process who presented the information, said the city will be able to spend up to $45,000 per house. Once the money is approved, Dunham will send out an application to all people who live in the target area and are eligible.

During the regular meeting, the council adopted two resolutions relating to the grant. The first was a resolution of support for the grant, and the second was a resolution committing funds to the project. The second resolution states that the city acknowledges that if the grant is received, the city will commit up to $10,000 towards the project. Mayor Brian Sullivan said municipalities are judged based on a point system during the grant awarding process, and that if the money had not been committed by the city, Hillsboro could be lowered on the list of municipalities being considered for the grant. Both resolutions passed, 4-0.

The council also approved a Lease / Purchase agreement for Tasers for the police department. According to Commissioner Michael Murphy, the agreement with Taser is a five-year program in which the city will pay $1,908 the first year, and $2,808 each year after that. The total cost in the agreement was $13,209.96. Murphy also said that payments will also be received from Schram City since Hillsboro supplies the village with police protection.

The council authorized city attorney Kit Hantla to begin demolition proceedings for a house on 1116 South Main Street. Hantla said the only way to do anything with that particular property is through a demolition process because of a six-figure lien the house has from the Department of Health and Human Services. He said it could be six weeks before anything happens.

Commissioner Murphy said the house has been vacant for many years and is a public safety hazard. He added that he already has people interested in the property once the demolition process is complete.

The next Hillsboro City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 12, at 7 p.m.