Hillsboro Aldermen Approve Utility Changes, Trash Rate Adjustment

Police activity, building permits, fair planning and local recognitions were also discussed during the meeting.

By The Jefferson Review

The Hillsboro Board of Aldermen handled several routine city matters while also approving utility-related changes, a trash rate adjustment, and recognizing work done by city employees during its latest meeting.

The meeting opened with the approval of minutes from the regular meeting on June 1, a special meeting on June 24, and a June 24 work session.

Police Chief Curtis reported that June was another busy month for the Hillsboro Police Department. Officers responded to 243 calls and generated 58 police reports. The department also sent out eight new code violation letters, mostly related to tall grass, leaves and similar property maintenance issues. Five of those eight violations were corrected within the 10-day period, while the remaining three were still being addressed.

Curtis also reviewed police activity from the Hillsboro rodeo. Over the two nights, police handled several calls, including general requests for law enforcement, EMS calls, fights, and 11 minor in possession of alcohol violations. Curtis said the department has been taking those violations seriously in recent years.

The chief also thanked the board for the recently approved budget, saying it would help the department move forward with several needs in the coming year.

Two members of the police department were recognized during the report. Officer Gage Hasty was named Officer of the Quarter for the second quarter of the year. Curtis described Hasty as one of the department’s newer officers and praised his attitude and work ethic.

Curtis shared one example of Hasty’s service outside of ordinary police work. After responding to a medical call involving a two-year-old child whose birthday party had been interrupted, Hasty later returned with monster truck toys for the child after noticing the party theme.

The department also recognized Judy Tufts, the city’s evidence manager, who was selected as the Missouri Peace Officer Association Civilian Employee of the Year. Curtis said the statewide award recognized her work organizing the evidence room and helping put policies in place.

The board also briefly discussed the city’s license plate reader cameras. Curtis said the city has five cameras under a five-year contract, with four currently operating and one still being built out. He said the cameras can alert law enforcement when a vehicle connected to a stolen vehicle report or similar issue passes through town, with alerts going through Jefferson County 911.

Building Inspector Leonard Niehaus reported that the city issued nine building permits in June, along with 17 occupancy permits and 27 construction inspections. Total fees billed came to $5,616.72, including $5,101.72 in building permit fees and $515 in ICC fees. He also noted continued progress at Performance 21, where the city has processed the 17th permit out of 29 planned homes.

Public Works reported continued cleanup around the city and said the department has received positive feedback from residents. Crews have also been working to keep up with plant maintenance during the recent heat.

During public comment, a resident asked the board about sewer charges related to filling a swimming pool. He had filled his pool, discovered the liner was bad, drained it, and then had to refill it. Because the process crossed billing periods, he asked whether the city could waive the sewer charge for both months instead of only one. City officials said the issue would be reviewed, and he was told he would receive a follow-up call.

The board approved an ordinance authorizing the payment of bills and charges for the city, including necessary fund appropriations and transfers.

Mayor and board comments also touched on several upcoming community items. The next board meeting was announced for August 3. The mayor also noted that Jefferson County mayors and city administrators planned to meet in Crystal City on July 22 to discuss House Bill 2818.

The Jefferson County Fair was also mentioned, with events scheduled from July 23 through July 26. The mayor said Chris Janson would perform Friday night and noted that pig races and the Budweiser Clydesdales were also planned for the fair.

The Russell House was discussed as aiming for an opening around the first week of August. The Chamber was also scheduled to hold a coffee chat at Lala’s Restaurant on July 16 at 8 a.m.

The mayor praised the Fourth of July fireworks event and credited Alderman Terry Glass with helping move the fireworks display back onto the civic grounds. He said the change worked well and helped with traffic flow. He also praised the police department for its work during the rodeo.

The board approved an ordinance updating utility fees and charges under Chapter 23 of the city code, with the changes set to take effect July 15, 2026.

The board also approved the city’s annual memorandum of understanding for participation in the Jefferson County Drug Enforcement Task Force. Curtis explained that because Hillsboro does not assign a detective directly to the task force, the city pays into the program instead.

A new liquor license application was also approved.

In other business, the board voted to reject a bid from Meyer Contracting for not meeting the bid requirements and award the project to the next lowest or best bidder, DW Contracting.

The board also approved a trash rate adjustment. The new residential rate was listed at $26.50, with a senior rate of $25.17. An additional trash can will cost $5.30. City officials said the contract allows for an annual rate increase based on the greater of 3 percent or the Consumer Price Index. This year’s adjustment was listed at 6 percent.

The meeting closed with a review of the city’s financial report for the first 11 months of the fiscal year. City officials also noted that the city had already gone out for proposals for a new auditor.

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