Smithfield’s tentative 2013 budget would keep tax rates steady
SMITHFIELD — Borough council approved a tentative budget recently 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 budget is basically the same as last year,” said Borough Secretary Jamie Hoone.
The tentative budget will be on display for public comment until Dec. 18, when it will be presented for adoption at the council meeting.
Under the tentative budget, the millage rate would remain at 1.775.
In other matters:
n Curbside garbage pickup was changed from Thursdays to Fridays. The borough’s trash is hauled away by Veolia Environmental Services of McClellandtown.
n Borough Solicitor Gene Grimm is drafting the borough police department’s operating procedures manual. The manual will govern and define every aspect of the department’s operational procedures.
n Grimm is also working on a contract to hire Rich Gresh as a subcontractor for maintenance work at the borough’s sewage treatment plant.
n Council approved purchasing four security cameras and a digital monitor for $1,100 so as to enhance security at the sewage treatment plant.
n The borough and Smithfield Stepping Forward thanked Fayette County Area Vocational Technical School instructor Lawrence Rossi and his students for crafting Christmas decorations for display within the borough. Hoone said Rossi and the students built a 9-foot-tall waving snowman, two large snowflakes and a 6-foot Christmas tree as well as doing a lot of work replacing and repairing lights.
“They did a really nice job — excellent,” Hoone said.