Elected leaders at Sunday's ceremony included, from left, Schram City Mayor
Gene Cameron, Irving Mayor Harold Jurgena, Illinois Senator John Davidson,
Litchfield Mayor Ralph Redfern and Hillsboro Mayor Bernard Rappe.

It's Official:
Hillsboro Has New City Hall

HILLSBORO — City Hall offices and the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce office moved into the building at 447 S. Main that has been donated to Hillsboro by the Telfer family. Commissioner Bill Baran said that the city offices will be open for business in the new location.

A dedication ceremony and open house was held Sunday, May 3.

In former years the large building housed Dorsey Lumber Company, Rx Sports & Travel Magazine headquarters, and offices of the U.S. Mine Safety & Health Administration. The building was given to Hillsboro for city use only by Joan Telfer of California and the children of her late brother, Dr. Jim Telfer of Hillsboro.

On the building's street level are a reception area, council meeting room, separate offices for the mayor, city clerk and commissioners. There's a room where all city maps — zoning, street, utilities — and other vital information can be stored and displayed, and an area to showcase Hillsboro memorabilia.

Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce will have one or two office spaces that are easily accessible to the public, and there are also women's and men's restrooms.

The building's lower level, complete with office and storage areas and a garage, will eventually house Hillsboro Police Department and the Auxiliary Police. Access is either from Main Street or through a rear lower-level entrance. There's a large parking area between the building and Gunning Street (runs north-south between Mill and East Wood).

The building is in excellent physical condition, Commissioner Baran said, and the cost of moving and equipping the new city hall will be minimal.

For the time being, CEFS office will remain on the second floor of the present city hall. Both Baran and Mayor Bernard Rappe have said they'll recommend that building be vacated and, with its adjoining lots, be sold for commercial development. •

August 1987 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 7