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Masontown council to wait to appoint new tax collector

By Rebekah Sungala 2 min read

MASONTOWN – Borough council did not appoint a tax collector to fill the vacant position during Tuesday’s meeting, choosing instead to table the matter until the Aug. 8 meeting. The vacancy was created when former tax collector Francis “Sam” Rossini passed away July 15.

Borough Solicitor Gary Monaghan said council has 30 days from Rossini’s death to appoint a new tax collector.

Council President Harry Lee said two residents – Kathleen Packroni and Tony Fugozzotto – have expressed an interest in the position. Both potential appointees were present for Tuesday’s meeting, although neither gave public comments.

Borough council discussed the matter during executive session before deciding to table it until the next meeting. Council members Joe Volanksy, Frank McLaughlin and Thomas J. Salonick were not present for the meeting.

If council fails to appoint a tax collector with 30 days, a vacancy board composed of council members, exclusive of the mayor, and one registered elector of the borough appointed by council will have 15 additional days to fill the position, according to borough code.

If the vacancy board is unable to appoint a tax collector within 15 days, borough code states the chairman of the board is required to petition the court of common pleas to fill the vacancy by the appointment of a registered elector of the borough.

As for other business, Mayor Thomas Loukota asked council to consider adopting an ordinance banning stray animals.

Loukota said he has received many complaints about dogs and cats damaging property.

“There are a lot of stray cats and dogs running loose in the borough,” he said.

Council said they would take the matter into consideration.

Also during the mayor’s report, Loukota asked council for their permission to continue investigating and prosecuting property owners who own buildings that are in disrepair.

Borough council gave Loukota unanimous approval.

Council also conducted the following business:

– Encouraged residents to take leaves, grass clippings and tree branches that need to be disposed of to the German Township Recycling Center, located off Route 166 on Corob Street. Borough residents are allowed to deposit the items in specific marked containers during daylight hours.

– Announced water will be shut off Aug. 3 to any residences that have outstanding and delinquent water bills.

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