Clarion Borough Council last week gave tentative approval to its 2022 general fund budget, totaling $2,508,350. The budget does not call for any tax increases.
The budget is open for public review; the final adoption of the spending plan is set for Tuesday.
The general fund spending is offset by an equal amount of anticipated revenues.
Major revenues for the borough include: tax payments ($1,193,775), transfers in ($238,695), licensing and permits ($219,535), charges for services ($182,670) and fine revenues ($93,695).
Major expenditures include: public safety ($1,114,800), public works ($597,660), general government operations ($380,120), debt service ($300,660) and miscellaneous expenses ($1,725).
State highway aid
The borough anticipates $148,695 in state highway funding while planning for $180,490 in expenditures.
The shortfall will be made up in the form of a loan to be taken out for the purchase of a new general-purpose truck. The cost of the truck is anticipated to be $40,000.
The borough also plans to purchase a new street sweeper this year at a cost of about $255,000. Council President Carol Lapinto said the current street sweeper is 25 years old, noting it was one of the last major purchases she made as borough manager.
The borough also plans to purchase a new police cruiser at a cost of about $43,000.
Other business
• Agreed to seek proposals for a tax revenue anticipation loan in the amount of $300,000. The money, if needed, helps cover expenses until tax payments are made later in the year.
• Approved a resolution regarding the disposal of borough records no longer needed to be retained.
• Announced the borough’s state-mandated reorganizational meeting will be held at 6:45 p.m. Jan. 3, 2022, in the Clarion Free Library basement meeting room with the regular monthly council meeting to immediately follow at 7 p.m.
• Approved a request from Delta Zeta sorority for a 5K Race-Turtle Trot on April 24, 2022, contingent on following COVID-19 guidelines in place at the time.
• Accepted the resignation from Shawn Zerfoss from cleaning services, effective Nov. 8.
• Agreed to advertise for cleaning services for borough buildings.
• Reapproved a change order for Clarion Free Library building improvements to add wall replacement and plumbing add-ons in the total amount of $7,170.
• Approved a change order for Clarion Free Library building improvements to add drywall repair in the amount of $744 and to extend the time of completion to Jan. 31.
• Approved a change order for a Main Street project to add the provision of 48 electrical receptacles, and complete installation and wiring, for a total cost of $8,437, and to extend the time of completion to Dec. 31.
• Approved the resignation and retirement of police officer Shawn Zerfoss, effective Nov. 10.