Redstone garbage rates to increase
REDSTONE TWP. – Redstone Township residents will be paying a little more for garbage service this year. The supervisors said that the haulers serving the township have requested the increase to offset increased expenses such as fuel costs.
The supervisors voted to increase rates by 50 cents a month, effective January 1. The new rate will be $10 a month, up from $9.50 in 2004.
The supervisors also voted to approve a guaranty for a Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority loan for the Brownsville Municipal Authority.
About two percent of the authority’s customers are in Redstone Township. According to the authority’s solicitor, Ernest DeHaas, PENNVEST requires all municipalities serviced by the authority to guarantee the loan proportionately.
The supervisors also voted to continue the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Act (LERTA) program in the township. The LERTA grants businesses tax forgiveness for up to five years on new construction. The supervisors said several businesses have taken advantage of the program for expansion over the years.
Two mercantile licenses were approved for new businesses in Republic. Brian G. Brashear of Brier Hill will be opening Down and Away NASCAR Racing Accessories at 1008 Main Street. At the same address, but in a separate part of the building, Steve Krcelich will be opening Republic Arcade, with video, pinball and arcade games.
The supervisors also discussed two road problems affecting the township: the possible closing of Lynn Road Bridge between Brownsville and Redstone townships due to problems obtaining insurance for the bridge and a problem with landslides damaging Stone Church Road. No decisions were made regarding either roadway.
The Republic Volunteer Fire Department 2004 report was presented to the supervisors. The fire department responded to 192 calls last year, including 83 vehicle accidents, 31 ambulance assists, 20 assists to the public, 17 structure fires and nine field fires.