County Committee Considers Purchase of Hillsboro Building for Probation Expansion

December 2025 Committee Meeting

Article Summary: The Montgomery County Board’s Buildings and Grounds Committee is evaluating the purchase of the “Rehab Edge” building in Hillsboro to house the Probation Department and Recovery Court. A special meeting has been scheduled for mid-January to make a final recommendation on the $300,000 property.

Property Acquisition Key Points:

• Proposed Site: The committee is looking at 127 N. Main Street in Hillsboro, listed at $300,000, to address space constraints.

• Space Issues: Recovery Court staff currently share a basement space with the EMA, which lacks necessary privacy for sensitive intakes and court communications.

• Cost Estimates: Renovations are estimated at $43,000 with annual operational costs between $17,000 and $18,000.

• Next Steps: A special meeting is set for Tuesday, January 13, at 4:30 p.m. to decide on a recommendation.

The Montgomery County Board’s Buildings and Grounds Committee met on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to discuss the potential acquisition of a commercial property in Hillsboro to expand the county’s Probation Department facilities.

Committee Chair Mark Hughes introduced the discussion regarding 127 N. Main Street, also known as the “Rehab Edge” building. The property is being considered as a new home for the county’s Recovery Court, which includes Drug Court and Mental Health Court operations.

Chief Probation Officer Banee Ulrici presented a proposal outlining the need for the expansion. Currently, Recovery Court staff share office space with the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) in the basement of the courthouse complex. Ulrici noted that the current arrangement lacks confidential meeting spaces required for intakes and court communications, and the basement offices are not easily accessible.

Ulrici’s proposal estimated that the building would require approximately $43,000 in updates, with operational costs projected at $17,000 to $18,000 annually. Circuit Clerk Daniel Robbins reported that the court system and coroner are in favor of the plan. Additionally, EMA Director Dan Hough, speaking as the 708 Board Chairman, indicated that the Drug Court is at capacity and the 708 Board would likely be willing to invest in the building’s purchase.

Real estate professional Jenny Dunn provided information on the building, noting it has a newer roof. However, the discussion sparked a procedural disagreement when Committee member Evan Young questioned why Dunn was present alongside Brandi Lentz, who represented the seller. Young questioned Chair Hughes’ authority to engage Dunn to represent the county as a potential buyer without prior board approval.

Following a walk-through of the property to discuss the pros and cons, Chair Hughes scheduled a special meeting for 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, in the County Board Room to consider a formal recommendation on the purchase.

Buildings and Grounds Committee News Briefs:

• Board Room Renovation: The committee reviewed proposals from Cinric Painting regarding the County Board Room renovation grant. The bid for staining and refinishing historic woodwork was $10,750, while painting was $7,600. The committee expressed a preference for staining. Chair Hughes asked the Circuit Clerk to check for available funds to cover the approximately $5,000 difference between the grant amount and the staining cost.

• Surplus Generator: A former generator from the Courthouse Complex has been moved to the EMA building. Director Dan Hough will check if the generator meets the needs of a proposed morgue; if not, it will be declared surplus and sold.

• County Farm Lease: Bids for the new County Farm lease agreement will be opened at next month’s meeting, where those present will have the opportunity to increase their bids.