Where does Hillsboro begin and where does it end?

Town attorney Eugene Simmons hopes to have the answer in about two weeks. The lawyer is attempting to determine which of two surveys marks the official town boundary.

Simmons told Hillsboro council at its July 13 meeting that his search through more than 200 record books in the county clerk's office is nearly complete. He hopes to complete the search in time to submit a report at the next council meeting on August 10.

An 1886 survey, recorded when the town was chartered, encompasses 320 acres. A 1910 survey purports to shrink the town to 180 acres, but Simmons has located no court order making the later boundary official. But town and county officials have used the 1910 boundary survey as official since it was recorded.

If the 1910 survey is invalidated, the town could be expanded back to its 1886 limits.

Concerned by the potential boundary changes, residents of an affected area north of Hillsboro attended the July 13 meeting and told council they didn't want to be part of the town.

Robert Kelley presented a petition to Mayor Anne Walker, which included signatures from 26 individuals demanding their properties not be annexed into the town limits.

Walker assured Kelley and other concerned individuals that the town was not trying to annex new territory, just trying to establish its legal borders.

"I realize we have nothing to offer," Walker said. "We're not trying to annex anything."

Walker said the reason for the boundary confirmation was to establish who could vote in town elections.

"The next election is coming up in 2011 and we need to straighten out this town boundary issue before that period of time," she said.

Council moved on to other items and denied a request from Wallace Cochran to rename Payne Avenue back to its former name, Kennison Avenue. The street was renamed last year to conform with county 911 rules.

Walker explained that the rules required a straight-running street to have the same name.

Council voted unanimously to keep all current street names the same.

Council voted 4-0 to accept a bid for mowing services from George Gladwell, which was the only bid received. Gladwell will be paid $135 per mowing and $12 per hour for weed-eating. Councilmember Sandy Gladwell recused herself during discussion and the vote.

The council discussed different possibilities for town office space. A trailer currently being used for an office is in poor condition and will be sold.

Walker said she had discussed with Ruth Taylor the possibility of using space in Hillsboro Elementary School and will investigate the option further. The council also discussed the option of building a new town office.

In other business, Hillsboro council:

-- approved a purchase of new seals for town fire hydrants. Town maintenance supervisor Larry Simmons reported that only one fire hydrant will need to be replaced.

-- officially adopted Roberts Rules of Order for meeting procedures.

-- approved a revised budget for 2011.

-- approved a local source water protection plan as recommended by the Department of Environmental Protection.

The next Hillsboro council regular meeting is scheduled for August 10, 7:30 p.m. at the Hillsboro Library.