Residents crowd Rostraver meeting
About 150 residents packed the Rostraver Township commissioners meeting Wednesday night, though no one spoke during the public comment section of the session.
One of those in attendance said it was a silent show of support for the local police department.
The Rostraver police contract expires Dec. 31. Contract talks have been ongoing for several months, said township solicitor Albert Gaudio. The next negotiation session is set for Dec. 18. Gaudio said he could not give an update on the negotiations, only that the two sides are meeting on schedule and are working toward a resolution.
Commissioners do not plan to raise taxes for 2018, according to the preliminary budget. Millage will hold steady at 15 mills, with one mill generating $145,000. There hasn’t been a tax increase in the township for at least 12 years, said Commissioner Gary Beck Sr.
The 2018 budget expenditures are $6,413,255, with revenue of $6,360,800. The budget currently has a $52,400 deficit, but Commissioner Patrick Egros is confident the budget will be balanced at the time of final adoption at the special meeting at 5 p.m. Dec. 28. The budget will be available for review by residents at the township building during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Dec. 28.
In other news, the township received a partial grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The township requested $260,000 and received $150,000. The money will be used for upgrades to the John DiVirgilio Sports Complex. Original plans were to upgrade the lighting, make ADA upgrades and improve parking. Commissioner Gary Litvany said the recreation board will meet to discuss what projects will be pursued.