A microbrewery in Hillsboro took a major step closer Monday night when the City Council approved a conditional use Zoning Permit to Hillsboro Brewing Company L.L.C.

The new microbrewery at 1001 Water Ave. in the former Big Nickel Bar and Grill, will supply Hillsboro Beer, brewed from the original, historic recipe, to the Hillsboro Brewing Company restaurant and bar at Water and Mill streets in the downtown area.

It is hoped that the new brewery will offer tours and, perhaps, attract more vacationing visitors to the town.

The unanimous affirmative vote came at the Council’s regular monthly meeting after a City Plan Commission Public Hearing was held.

Hillsboro Brewing Company owner Snapper Verbsky was in attendance to answer questions during the Public Hearing and regular meeting.

He said he hopes to begin production in March, and that he also hopes to produce products which will be sold at other area pubs.

Council welcomes organic distribution center

In another business decision, Council members unanimously approved an Economic Incentive Agreement with Ohio Earth Foods.

The company, founded in 1972,  deals in sales and distribution of organic fertilizer and treatments for organic farms.  It wants to open a distribution center in Hillsboro.

The two-year agreement includes a $5,000 per hire employment incentive from the city.

The Council also unanimously voted that a 2015 employee wage rate will become effective at the end of 2014.

An operator’s license was unanimously approved by the Council in the final action of the meeting.

The next Hillsboro City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. in the second floor meeting room at City Hall.