LEWIS RUN — No tax increase is expected in 2017 in Lewis Run Borough.
Borough council met Tuesday evening for a session to discuss what is in next year’s proposed budget. The budget has not yet been finalized and is subject to change before being advertised in November.
Council anticipates passing the final budget in December.
In fact, no increases to residents are anticipated, including sewer, water and garbage bills, according to council President Irv Swartz. At this stage in the budget-planning process, the borough is looking at revenue and expenses both set at $344,537.65 in the general fund, the preliminary document indicates.
At the session, council combed through each page, with treasurer Joanne Caldwell clarifying line items and borough officials making suggestions.
“I don’t have a crystal ball,” Caldwell said when discussing several of the numbers in the budget, explaining she can’t predict many things such as maintenance and repairs or any state funding.
The budget at this point includes $20,000 in engineering costs the borough may not use this year, said Caldwell.
Also up in the air is the cost of upcoming repairs to the Lincoln Bridge. An initial estimate had been for $32,000, but a reevaluation this fall by state officials showed more issues than when the bridge was first evaluated.
Money has been set aside for the possible purchase of a vehicle to be used for the water department, road department or any borough-related need that comes up.
“There has been times this year — more than once — we had one of our employees use their own truck to get the job done,” Swartz explained.
However, Councilman Joe Cucuzza is opposed to the expense of a new vehicle.
To ease Cucuzza’s mind somewhat, Swartz noted, “We’re putting it in the budget. We don’t have to spend it.”
Cucuzza did say he was unsure the $4,000 budgeted for snow and ice removal would be sufficient, so Caldwell described the way she determines how much to set aside for the purpose. He also suggested starting to put money away — if not in 2017 then in the next couple of years — to repair the roof for the building that holds sand and salt. Caldwell said she would look into it for next year’s budget.
Regarding ditches, money is set aside to fix the ditches on Lincoln Drive.
Also, the 2017 will include $1,500 for playground improvements. Caldwell explained the project was also listed in the 2016 budget but wasn’t completed. The funding will go toward landscaping, such as replacing the mulch and making the separate playground areas into one big area.
She also put a miscellaneous expense in the budget for unexpected expenses that do not fit under any line item.
