The Hillsboro skyline looks a little different these days.
A 750,000-gallon water tower is nearing completion after more than a year of construction. On April 24, the tower’s bowl was installed by being lifted hundreds of feet in the air to the top of the structure.
The tower is located on approximately 15 acres of county property bordering the intersection of Goldfinch Lane and Business 21.
Mayor Buddy Russell said this marks a “huge” step in the construction project.
“It’s a big deal for Hillsboro for us to grow over there now. We’ve got something there everybody can see. You come down 21 now you see it.”
Russell said the water tower also represents growth for the city.
“To grow you need infrastructure … Hillsboro is so far behind and that’s part of it, being able to supply the water to be able to grow for businesses and homes.”
Now that the bowl is visible, Russell said, there has been interest from contractors, developers and businesses.
“I knew that would happen when it went up,” he said. “The two biggest things that are happening in Hillsboro is LaChance (Vineyards) buying the Russell House … and the water tower.”
He said LaChance Vineyards owner Harold Hamby hopes to have a soft opening at the restaurant portion of the Russell House around Aug. 1.
A 300,000-gallon water tank in Hills-boro City Park will continue to be used in conjunction with the new water tower, Russell said.
Before being elected mayor in 2019, Russell said he began working on the water tower project with the late Joe Detter, who served as the city’s building inspector.
“This water tower has taken a long time,” he said.
District 7 Jefferson County Councilman Bob Tullock said the new water tower project was a joint effort between the city and county governments.
Tullock echoed Russell’s sentiments and said the water tower is a substantial improvement from previous infrastructure.
“Anytime you do something like that you invite growth in the community,” he added.
Tullock also praised Russell’s leadership.
“He’s an extraordinary mayor; he’s doing all the right things for the city of Hillsboro. I’m so proud to have him out as the mayor out in Hillsboro. I’ve known a lot of mayors in my lifetime, and he’s at the top of the list by far.”
Russell began clearing the land himself in September 2024 before drilling samples were taken.
The Hillsboro Board of Alderpersons voted to approve a $4.95 million contract to Caldwell Tanks Inc. in December 2024.
That same month, the board also awarded a $589,300 contract to Flynn Drilling Co. to complete a deep well project, as well as a $1,440,900 contract to Wachter Inc. to complete a public works building.
Construction on the water tower began in March 2025.
City Administrator Jason Daniel said $1.9 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) were previously awarded to the city from Jefferson County for the new water tower, along with a $4 million water/sewer bond.
On April 28, Russell said the total cost of the project is about $7 million.
He also said costs were affected by President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imported steel.
“We’ve given (Caldwell) an increase of 8 grand on that,” he said.
Russell also said the lettering on the tower is black and instead of blue to save money.
“We would have liked to have it in blue, but it was $165,000 to go blue,” he said.
Russell said the next steps for the project are building roofing panels, painting the inside and top of the tank and connecting the completed deep well to the water tank.
He also said building materials for the new public works building on site will be delivered around July 1.
Russell estimates the entire project will be operational by early next spring.
“There’s a lot that’s got to happen between then,” he said.