Hillsboro wants reservoir monitor
Staff writer
Hillsboro is considering asking for a special water monitor at Marion Reservoir to deal with ongoing problems with water treatment.
A buoy system would provide real-time data and about a 12-hour warning before deteriorating water reaches Hillsboro’s treatment plant, allowing operators to adjust chemical use instead of running at full levels continuously, water and sewer superintendent Morgan Marler told council members Tuesday.
Federal budget cuts have eliminated support for such a project, but the Kansas Water Office has offered $20,000 if Hillsboro and Marion each contribute $20,000, Marler said.
Without the system, she said, staff must treat water at maximum levels to avoid being caught off guard by rapid changes in water quality.
Nutrient runoff, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, continues to affect the reservoir and is unlikely to improve significantly, making monitoring and future upgrades such as ozone treatment long-term needs, Marler said.
Council members took no final action on the request Tuesday.
They did, however, approve $11,115.30 for electrical system components and $24,139.08 for electric poles. A payment also was approved for improvements to Wilson St., which reopened Tuesday afternoon.
The city also renewed its agreement with Atmos Energy, allowing the company to continue operating within city limits and rights-of-way.
A nuisance hearing was set for 211 N. Washington St., where property conditions have prompted city action.
Owners and other interested parties will have an opportunity to respond before any decision is made.
Council members also approved an update to fire protection agreement with Lehigh Township, outlining how service responsibilities will be shared.
Two policy changes were adopted, including one establishing rules for multi-occupancy private spaces in response to a new state law, and another formalizing a voluntary program allowing city employees to donate a day’s pay to local nonprofits.
Council members also received the city’s 2025 audit, which included a clean opinion but noted a missed encumbrance and a budgetary overspending in the city’s bowling alley fund.