Lack of funding hampering South Connellsville projects
SOUTH CONNELLSVILLE- The lack of necessary funding for the borough’s summer paving project, as well as necessary equipment for a $5,300 police vehicle that wasn’t budgeted for, has limited council to supplying the bare necessities for each. “The budget is really, really tight,” said Elizabeth Giles, borough treasurer. Giles suggested to council Monday the borough hold off on any purchases for the time being, after paying back a hefty tax-anticipation loan this month.
With the summer paving project still on hold, Don Clark, councilman and head of the street committee, noted the alley located between Pittsburgh and Second streets would require the most funding. “With the budget the way it is, I hope that council decides what streets to get ready,” said Clark.
Because of the diminished funds, Mark Ward, council president, suggested the borough transfer its liquid fuel money into the street department fund in order to finance the entire project instead of part of it.
“It’s not the first time we’ve done something like that,” said Ward.
Ward also moved for the street department to borrow a grader from neighboring Connellsville Township by the end of this week in order to get some of the paving under way.
In order to make the new police vehicle operational under state code, council was forced to transfer a bubble light and a radio from two existing vehicles that the borough has listed for sale instead of being able to approve $2,500 needed to properly accessorize the car with a light bar, gun rack and detailing.
Once the vehicles are sold, council plans to use the money to make the necessary purchase.
Council also conducted the following business:
– Learned from Michelle Mattis the borough will be conducting a Kid’s Safety and Fun Day on Sept. 6. Mattis also asked council to consider purchasing a merry-go-round and bike rack for the playground pending additional funding, including $1,000 budgeted for a playground supervisor that wasn’t used this year.
– Learned from Ward that in order to proceed with the second phase of a storm sewer project on Dushane Avenue that the borough is required to spend any remaining community revitalization grant funds and to have the project completed by June 30.