Streets and Public Improvement Commissioner Don Downs commented on the city of Hillsboro's water at the Hillsboro City Council meeting Tuesday evening.

Downs said that the water has had a chlorine smell lately because of a practice that is done twice a year in regulation with Environmental Protection Agency standards. He added that if residents smell chlorine, they should know it is safe to drink.

The council also voted to amend an ordinance that would increase the city's facade grant amount from $1,000 to $2,000. Mayor Brian Sullivan said that the increase would put Hillsboro in line with some of the surrounding towns that have the same program. Commissioner Downs added that the increase will allow businesses to put a lot more towards improvements than before. The motion passed unanimously.

The council also approved a bid for a truck for the Public Property and Parks Department. The only bid that was submitted was from Wright Automotive in the amount of $32,675 for a 2017 Ford F-250. The council unanimously approved the bid.

The next Hillsboro City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 22, at 7 p.m.