Smithfield approves budget for 2013
SMITHFIELD — Borough council adopted a budget on Tuesday for 2013 that does not include a property tax increase.
Revenue is projected to be about $215,820, with expenditures at about $214,855, leaving a fund balance of about $965. The 2012 budget had revenue of $217,555 and expenditures of $217,155.
The millage rate would remain at 1.775 for borough property owners.
A property owner with a home assessed at $100,000 would pay about $177 in property taxes annually.
In other matters, council adopted the borough police department’s operating procedures.
The 132-page manual will govern and define every aspect of the department’s operational procedures.
“This is what the borough needs to protect us and our police,” said Council President Larry Leech.
“The document is very extensive and we need it,” he said.
Borough Solicitor Gene Grimm, who drafted the policy, is working on a Taser gun policy to be included as part of the police department’s operating procedures. Council plans to adopt this proposed revision in January.
The newly adopted operating procedure calls for members of the borough’s police force to take the oath of office each year.
Soon after council unanimously adopted the policy, borough police Officer John Lingo held up his right hand and swore to uphold the law.
In other business:
n Council asked Borough Engineer John Over to look into steps that may be taken to cut some trees on Liberty Street. Mayor Chuck Ciezynski passed around photos that showed how a few trees were leaning toward the street across some telephone lines.
n Bill Dean donated a basketball to the borough. Kids interested in registering for a chance to win this basketball should contact the borough office at 724-569-9601. A drawing for the basketball will be held in January.
n Council will be looking into ways to slow traffic within the borough. While these talks are preliminary, council tossed around ideas such as adding a stoplight or lowering the speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph.