Dec 10, 2013 3 min read

CARMICHAELS – Carmichaels Borough Council approved a budget Tuesday and took time to recognize the many years of service of councilman John Paletta, whose term expires at the end of the month.

The budget includes an increase in spending of $7,622.42 compared to the current year, but keeps the property tax levy at 2.85 mills.

Expenditures in the budget are estimated at $132,645.20 while revenue is expected to total $137.525.40.

Total revenue available, however, is projected at $215,157.84, taking into account $35,000 carried over from this year, unspent Act 13 impact fee money from 2012 and 2013 and projected impact fee money for 2014.

The borough has spent only $2,000 of its Act 13 impact fee money, contributing $1,000 to the water authority and $1,000 to the fire company.

It still has $14,972.78 from 2012; and $15,972.78 from 2013.

It estimates it will receive $12,000 next year.

Some major spending categories include streets and roads, $31,704.60; secretary and clerk, $22,351; police department $18,271; insurance, $12,800; public works and street lights, $10,000; general administration, $4,134; Social Security, $4,000; general government, $3,950; human services, $2,710; and tax collection, $2,650.

Most of the projected revenue will come from property taxes, $30,000; earned income taxes, $60,000; permits and other income, $19,382; and fines, highway aid and other income, $18,643.40.

Asked whether council was taking into consideration the long-term conditions of borough roads, council President Charles Walker said the borough has been trying to put money aside, including the Act 13 money, to take care of the roads.

The borough also may try to obtain some grant money, he said, but it won’t know whether it has enough money, for example, for a paving project until it actually moves forward with one.

Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to adopt the final budget.

In other business, the board recognized Paletta for his many years of service on council.

Mayor Michael Dohanich noted that Paletta was first elected to council in November 1969.

For the last 43 years, on and off, he has served as a councilman, he said.

“Someone who is that dedicated to the community, I can’t thank you enough,” Dohanich said.

Other members of council and borough employees also thanked Paletta for his service.

Paletta said he enjoyed every minute of serving on council.

Though there were good times and bad, he said, he believes council has been able to make a better community for his family and for other families.

Craig Baily, superintendent of the Carmichaels Area School District, also addressed council, requesting permission to close Cherry Alley, between Greene Street and Strawberry Alley, for about 16 months starting in June as contractors begin work on the junior high school renovation.

The district plans to put modular classrooms on property next to Cherry Alley and doesn’t want traffic on the street while students are using the temporary units.

Residents on the street will be able to access the closed area by a gate.

Baily discussed the district’s plans for its renovations and asked council to consider voting on the street closing request at its next meeting.

The board re-appointed John Beabout to a five-year term on the Carmichaels Municipal Authority.

It reminded residents burning is not permitted Sundays; it is permitted in proper containers Monday through Saturday, from dawn to dusk in the winter and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer.

No burning is allowed within 200 feet of the town square.