Dec 10, 2002 By Joyce Koballa 3 min read

SOUTH CONNELLSVILLE-Borough council adopted a balanced budget for 2003; however, members agreed to look into taking out a tax-anticipation loan after learning from the treasurer that the borough will be operating at a bare minimum over the next several months. Elizabeth Giles, borough treasurer, informed council Monday of the fiscal crunch, stating that she has since spoke with representatives from PNC Bank regarding the situation.

“We won’t make it the first several months of next year,” said Giles.

According to Giles, the borough needs about $45,000, or $15,000 a month, to maintain expenditures from January through April.

“And, that’s barely covering the payroll and the utilities,” said Giles.

Giles added that the borough took out a tax-anticipation loan about nine years ago when it was in a similar situation.

In regard to the loan, council authorized Giles to provide the necessary financial statements to the bank, as needed – with the application amount not to exceed $50,000.

The 2003 budget calls for $497,246 in revenues and expenditures, with no tax increase. Of that figure, the bulk of the budget is comprised of $332, 610 in the general fund, $105,000 in the garbage fund, $59,636 in the special street fund and $63,068 for police salaries.

The borough’s total valuation for next year under Fayette County’s new tax-assessment program came in at $49,365,293, changing the millage rate to 1.669. One mill generates $49,365.

Council also conducted the following business:

– Approved one of three building permits while tabling two of them until next month contingent upon the applicants providing the necessary documentation.

– Agreed to provide $75 for snacks and refreshments for the borough’s Christmas party with Santa Claus to be held Dec. 22 at 3 p.m. at the fire department.

– Agreed to extend the contract with Hoffman Animal Control until December, 2004, under the same terms and conditions with the same rate of $30 per call.

Patrols will continue three days a week.

– Approved a 50-cent increase under state mandate for garbage collection starting in January.

– Announced that CBF has agreed to pick up recycling the first and third Monday of each month as long as there is enough participation from residents. Mark Ward, council president, stressed the importance of recycling in relation to the grant amount the borough is awarded each year.

– Heard from Pete Casini, Mayor, regarding a street sign that Connellsville city is interested in donating to the borough that reads, “Johnny Woodruff Way.”

Council took no action on the matter after a discussion determined that it could cause confusion if it was placed on Highman Street.

Casini instead suggested the borough look into adding or purchasing a sign that would coincide with the borough’s welcome sign and read, “Home of Johnny Woodruff.”