Bradford City Council unveiled the proposed 2006 budget Tuesday
evening with no tax increase, as it was offset by an increase of
$42 in what used to be known as the Occupational Privilege Tax.

“In preparing this budget, we were informed of a major decrease
in anticipated timber revenues,” explained Councilwoman Kathy
Graff, director of accounts and finances. “The 2006 timber revenues
decreased $455,400, as these revenues returned to a more realistic
figure than what we received in 2005.”

The Bradford City Water Authority had a particularly good market
year for timber in 2004, explained City Clerk John Peterson at the
beginning of 2005. The market is not as strong now.

“In addition, utility costs, fuel, insurance and pension fund
contributions continue to escalate,” Graff explained.

“It is necessary to levy the Emergency Municipal Services Tax,
which will replace the Occupational Privilege Tax, at a rate of $52
for 2006,” she explained.

The council passed on first reading an ordinance changing the
name of the tax and increasing the levy. Councilman Tom Shay voted
no to the increase in the tax.

The term of the tax will also change. In the past, the $10
Privilege Tax was due in one payment. Now, the $52 payment will be
spread out quarterly.

It will be levied on everyone who works within the City of
Bradford.

“There will be no property tax increase for the third
consecutive year, and the real estate tax for 2006 is hereby
re-established at 9.75 mills,” Graff said.

She recommended the following proportions for the millage: 5.138
mills for general purposes, .139 mills for the library, 1.915 mills
for debt service and 2.558 mills for recreation.

“Numerous adjustments have been made in budget line items to
compensate for lower revenues and increased costs without
reductions in essential services,” Graff added.

The 2005 anticipated figures and the 2006 submitted figures were
given.

For accounts and finance, the 2005 figure was $1,765,908; the
2006 figure is $1,636,612. For public affairs, the 2005 figure was
$1,127,034; the 2006 figure is $1,168,059.

For public safety, 2005 was $1,371,888; 2006 is $1,376,058. For
parks and public property, 2005 was $501,350; 2006 is $534,650. For
streets and public improvements, the 2005 figure was $2,131,863;
2006 is $1,695,648.

Also next year, the city is going to be receiving some
additional financial assistance from four area townships who have
contracted city ambulance service for the next three years.

The cost for the service is prorated by the size of the
townships. For Foster Township, it is $8.09 per household per year;
for Lafayette and Corydon townships, it is $9.18 per household per
year; and for Bradford Township, it is $8.25 per household per
year.

In other business, council also authorized the filing of a New
Communities – Elm Street Program grant application with the state
Department of Community and Economic Development in the total
amount of $400,000.

Of that, $150,000 would be for a three-year operational grant
and $250,000 for a Residential Reinvestment grant to assist with
the operation and development of the Elm Street project area.

The Elm Street West neighborhood has a perimeter of Barbour,
Bennett, Mechanic and School streets and part of Pleasant Street.
This will be the first priority in the program.

The Elm Street North neighborhood includes Bishop, Kennedy,
Miller, Amm, Forman, Boylston and Davis streets.

Mayor Michele Corignani explained that the Downtown Bradford
Historic District, which people have been critical of lately, is
directly tied in to the availability of this funding for
neighborhood improvements.

“Elm Street is a direct tie-in to the historic district,” she
said. “Without the one, this wouldn’t be possible.”

Progress on the revitalization project may be coming within the
near future. Sara Andrews of the Office of Economic and Community
Development said that the Elm Street project will likely get off
the ground next year.

Also at the meeting, Peterson told council that he has not heard
any complaints about the street changes relating to the expansion
project at Bradford Regional Medical Center. He asked council if
they would like to consider making the traffic changes in that area
permanent.

The council members agreed. The traffic changes must be made
permanent by ordinance, and Peterson said he will have the
ordinances ready for consideration before the end of the year.

Council’s next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 13.