LEWIS RUN –– Lewis Run Borough Council on Tuesday adopted a budget that holds the line on taxes for 2017.
“We’re very pleased for our residents that we’re able to hold the budget and not raise taxes next year. I never like to pass a tax increase to the residents,” said borough treasurer Joanne Caldwell after council approved a spending plan that contains a $344,537.65 general fund.
The millage rate is 4.25 mills. For a home assessed at $30,000, a property owner would pay $106.25 a year, she said.
One of the major expenses included in the spending plan is major repairs to the Lincoln Bridge. A total of $40,000 is being earmarked from the borough for that project, Caldwell said.
A Pennsylvania Department of Transportation official still has to return to the borough to examine the bridge, she said. PennDOT will be handling the bidding package for the project, she said.
Borough council has also set aside money for the possible purchase of a vehicle to be used for the water department, road department and other borough-related matters.
Also for next year, officials plan to spend $1,500 for playground improvements, which include replacing mulch and making the separate playground areas into one large site.
Included in the spending plan is $20,000 in engineering costs, though that money might not be used, Caldwell previously said.
Also on a day that the borough saw more snow showers, Council President Irv Swartz reminded individuals that they are responsible for snow removal around fire hydrants located on their property. Such a task is not the job of borough workers or the fire department.
Residents are also responsible for shoveling their sidewalks, Swartz said.
A parking ban is also placed on Main Street from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. when more than a few inches of snow accumulates, said Councilman Steve Kloss.
He urged people to be patient and polite as borough employees plow, and if a problem arises, to call the borough office.
“We have a new crew, so be patient,” Kloss said.
Also at the meeting, Swartz reminded residents to order reflective address signs, adding that they are important for emergency personnel to locate residences in times of need. An enforcement date has not been set, Swartz said.
Council also approved advertising council meeting dates for next year. The meetings are scheduled for the second Tuesday of the month, starting at 7 p.m.
