Dec 21, 2006 By Rebekah Sungala 2 min read

POINT MARION – Borough council adopted a $630,900 budget for the 2007 fiscal year that includes a .25-mill increase in property taxes. The .25-mill increase brings the millage rate to 2.25 mills, which means property owners pay $22.50 for every $10,000 in assessed property value and $112.50 for every $50,000 in assessed value.

At the former millage rate of 2 mills, property owners paid $20 for every $10,000 in assessed property value or $100 for every $50,000 in assessed value.

The budget calls for $231,300 to be deposited in the general fund, with $231,032 budgeted for expenses, leaving a surplus of $267.

In regards to the sewer fund, the budget calls for $194,050 in revenue and $193,855 in expected expenditures, showing an ending balance of $195.

Likewise, the budget calls for $205,550 to be deposited in the water fund, with $205,375 budgeted for expenses, resulting in a surplus of $174.

In total, the borough expects to spend $630,262, according to the budget.

As for other business, council decided to send letters to borough employees at the water and sewage treatment plant announcing overtime will be monitored closely.

“We’ve got to get a handle on our overtime,” said Art Strimel, borough manager/treasurer.

In an unrelated matter, council entered into a $30,000 bond agreement with Eckert Seamans of Morgantown, W.Va., in regards to the water line replacement project.

In further business, council once again reminded residents that recycling is mandatory and that people who fail to recycle can be fined up to $300.

Because of the holidays, garbage will be collected Tuesday and recycling will be picked up Wednesday.

The next council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 3 in the borough building.