No tax increase planned in Monessen
It appears there will be no tax increase in the city of Monessen.
City council, in its proposed 2018 budget, kept the millage rate at 37.43 mills. The spending plan includes $4,152,125 in projected revenue and $4,115,177 in expenditures. Last year’s budget was $4,073,845.
The slight increase in expenditures reflects higher wages, pension costs and other expenses. Councilman Ron Chiaravalle said the budget will be available for public viewing at the municipal building. The budget will be adopted at the next regular council meeting at 7 p.m. Dec. 26.
In another matter, Solicitor Steve Toprani said the city was surprised to hear of the closing of the Citizens Bank branch on Donner Avenue. He said he and city officials were in talks with the bank’s headquarters and property-management company, which agreed that no decision would be made on the property until after Dec, 15. Toprani said the Dec. 15 deadline was designed to give the city time to secure funding for the demolition of the adjoining building. “We didn’t know anything about the closing until we were notified by customers of the bank,” he said. Customers will be able to use the Citizens Bank on Grand Boulevard.
Toprani also gave an update on complaints filed by Mayor-elect Matt Shorraw concerning alleged safety issues in the municipal building. Pennsylvania Labor and Industry found no violations pertaining to the 16 claims made about the property. Mayor Lou Mavrakis said the unfounded allegations cost the city money.
Council designated Deborah Chromulak, Community Development Block Grant clerk, as the fair housing officer and Section 504 officer for the city. Council approved and established a policy to implement programs to ensure equal opportunity in housing for all people regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, handicap or disability, or familial status. Chromulak said the state included two new descriptions: ancestry and use of a guide or support dog and trainer of a guide or support dog. Choromulak said that if anyone believes they have been discriminated against in housing, they can come to city officials to get help in filing a complaint.