At the their meeting Tuesday evening, the Hillsboro City Council approved paying a portion of the East Street Improvement project to Stutz Excavating.

Public Improvements Commissioner Don Downs said part of the Motor Fuel Tax Fund was allocated for $57,499.99, and that even though it may sound strange, it's money that the city has to pay and work that has to be done. Mayor Brian Sullivan said the payment is not anywhere near the full amount that is due, but that the city needs to pay the money now and close the first phase out. The motion passed, 3-0.

The council also adopted an ordinance prohibiting harassment for city employees. Mayor Sullivan said the measure was not in response to any complaint that had been filed, but rather comes as a requirement by the state, who has mandated municipalities pass this policy by January 15. That motion also passed, 3-0.

The council adopted the annual tax levy ordinance for the Fiscal Year ending on April 30, 2018. According to Finance Commissioner Katie Duncan, the amount levied for the fiscal year is $858,736. She said that is $2,514 lower than last year, which is a one percent difference.

Commissioner Duncan also said that $78,749 will be levied for the library, which is an increase of $3,749, or five percent. Mayor Sullivan said part of the reason for the increase is because the library board currently has two buildings to maintain.

Commissioner Downs proposed purchasing a ten foot snow pusher for the street department, which would cost $3,695. He said that the pusher would hopefully help the city clean up the downtown area quickly, and would not leave excess snow on the sides of the streets. He added that it would fit on the city's backhoe. The council approved the purchase, 3-0.

Due to the Christmas holiday, the second December meeting has been canceled, and the next Hillsboro City Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 9, at 7 p.m.