Smithfield approves tentative budget
SMITHFIELD — Smithfield Borough Council has approved a tentative budget for the 2012 fiscal year that would hold property taxes steady.
At Tuesday’s meeting, council members unanimously voted to approve the balanced budget, which listed $217,555 in total revenue and $217,135 in total expenditures.
The millage rate, as indicated in the tentative budget, is expected to remain at 1.775 mills. At that rate, landowners pay $88.75 for every $50,000 in assessed property value or $177.50 for every $100,000 in assessed value.
Council President Jean Kennedy said the budget committee has reviewed the tentative budget in depth but that other council members are free to make comments or suggestions.
Kennedy said the budget can be changed before being presented for adoption during the December council meeting.
The tentative budget is available for viewing at the borough office.
In other business, council heard from Albert Gallatin Area High School former football coach Donald “Doc” Franks who said he and former players have started a group to help assist in community-related issues and events.
Franks said the group’s first program is to increase child abuse awareness programs in the area. He cited several recent incidents involving child abuse cases in Fayette County and said something must be done to end the violence against children.
“A lot of times you say somebody else ought to do something or ought to make a phone call about a situation. Well that somebody may need to be you,” he said.
Franks said he has attended some municipal meetings within the school district and that he plans to attend other meetings to encourage residents to be more aware of the problem.
In other matters, council said the timer box for the borough’s Christmas lights was replaced.
Councilwoman Kelli Ash said Miller Electric replaced the box for $375, which was under budget.
Council said the borough is also considering asking clubs and residents to donate money to help pay the electric bill for the Christmas lights.
In addition, residents were urged to be aware of a recent rash of burglaries and to call 911 if they noticed anything suspicious.
The next council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 20 at the borough building.