Smithfield council fills vacancy, approves 2003 budget
SMITHFIELD – With the borough council in need of a new member, the board voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint Daniel Swaney, filling the spot vacated by longtime member Orville Hornsby, who passed away Nov. 10 from health problems. Council President Jack Frith said Swaney was the only area resident who responded for the opening and added that he has served on the council before.
“I served with him before and I think he will serve us well,” Frith said.
Mayor Chuck Cieszynski agreed: “Dan served before, and he was a good member.”
According to Frith, Swaney served many years on the council, and he also noted that Swaney would begin his term at the next regular meeting.
In other business, the council approved the 2003 budget, which keeps steady the amount of taxes residents will pay.
Frith said the finalized budget for the coming year is $155,270 and that the tax rate would be 1.105 mills. Frith also noted that the 2003 budget is about $7,000 more than the current year’s and remains contingent upon the repayment agreement between the Georges Creek Municipal Authority and the borough.
The council also heard from area residents who complained about water problems along Highland Street.
According to one resident, water runs down the street and turns to ice and is causing a major problem for residents. The council said they would address the problem at the sewage authority meeting Thursday.
The council also conducted the following business:
– Received a grant from state Rep. Larry Roberts for $20,000 for area building and paving.
– Opened a new business account for the sewage fund.
– Announced that this year’s Christmas light competition will be held Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21 and 22, from 6 to 9 p.m., with donations for prizes totaling $760.
– Informed residents that the library will hold a special Christmas story time from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday. Children from pre-school to 3rd grade are invited to attend.
– Held an executive session to discuss litigation involving the contract with the sewage authority.
– Announced that recyclables will be picked up Monday.