Nov 4, 2009 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Revenue from anticipated new businesses and department heads keeping their budgets in check have aided Connellsville City Councilman and director of accounts and finance Terry Bodes in preparing a balanced 2010 spending plan totaling $2.83 million. Bodes said Tuesday during the final planning session that there would be no property tax increase or fee hikes to balance the city budget.

“Everything just came together,” he said.

Initially the figures indicated that nearly $125,000 would be needed to balance the spending plan. Last month, the deficit was cut to $50,000.

According to the figures, it appears the city anticipates garnering more earned income tax and mechanical device tax in the next year and generate additional revenue through vendor’s licensing and street and sewerage permits.

Last month the city approved an ordinance that offered a discounted licensing rate for businesses that operated mechanical devices but did not serve alcoholic beverages.

Mayor Judy Reed said at the time the ordinance was to encourage new business, but did not disclose if the new business opening was imminent.

At Tuesday’s meeting she indicated that while several stores had closed over the past year, other entrepreneurs are planning to open new businesses, including, Tim Dye, operator of the “Bull of the Woods,” an outdoor clothing and sportswear store.

The business is located along North Pittsburgh Street.

Reed indicated that another business is close to opening its doors, but would not divulge the owner or type of operation.

“They’ve asked us not to say anything just yet,” said Reed.

The budget also indicates that the city plans to receive $13,000 in rental property registrations. The city recently introduced an ordinance that will require landlords to register and pay a fee for the rental properties. It will be presented at next week’s council meeting for adoption.

The 2010 budget includes the $39,500 salary for a full-time health and code officer with $23,700 of the amount being defrayed through the 2008 state Community Development Block Grant fund.

Tom Currey was recently hired as a full-time employee after working part time for several months.

Reed, who will leave office in December, said that she would encourage the incoming council to consider re-implementing metered parking to increase city revenues.

“It would allow for the city to do some things that need done,” she said.

Estimating that should the 150 meters located in the downtown lot net $1 per day, the city would garner nearly $54,000 annually.

The plan, said Reed, would permit free parking in the Fairview Avenue lots and include all city employees tasked to “monitor” the metered lots.

Bodes and Reed agreed the proposal would not require the creation of a parking authority.

Reed, meanwhile, said that the incoming council should be pleased with the 2010 budget figures.

“It is a good budget that they can use,” she said.

Councilman Charles Matthews will likely succeed Reed as mayor with Marilyn Weaver and Tom Karpiak replacing Bodes and Councilman David McIntire in January.