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Proposed Mt. Jewett water budget keeps same rates |
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Written by Publisher
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Thursday, 17 December 2009 |
MT. JEWETT – There’s no increase in water rates in the proposed 2010 budget for the Mt. Jewett Borough Water Authority.
The volunteer board reviewed the budget Wednesday at its monthly meeting at its office at 44 W. Main St. The board plans to meet at 6 p.m. on Tuesday to finalize the budget.
The proposed budget calls for $156,000 in revenues and penalties. Expenditures include $27,320 for the annual loan payment. The board also plans to set aside $250 per month or $3,000 for the year for its capital improvement fund.
The draft budget is available for public inspection at the water office.
In business at the nearly two-hour meeting, the board:
•Reaffirmed its support for the re-appointment of board member Mike Park. The Mt. Jewett Borough Council tabled the appointment at its last meeting. Council reportedly will consider the appointment when it meets in special session on Sunday, Dec. 27 at 4 p.m. at the borough building.
Mike West also has submitted a letter to council to ask to be considered for appointment to the water board.
West told the water board on Wednesday that it isn’t his intention to take Park’s seat on the board. He said he told council he would be interested in serving on the water board when there is “an available position.”
He said he didn’t seek the appointment to “boot someone off the board.” “I didn’t put my letter in to stir up trouble,” he told the water board.
West, who works with water systems as part of his profession, said he would be “willing” to help the water board “whether I’m on the board or not.”
The board cited Park’s electrical expertise as an asset in retaining him on the authority.
Erik Olsson, who also serves on the seven-member authority, tried to resign Wednesday to enable council to appoint both Park and West. Park said he “appreciates” Olsson’s support, but doesn’t agree with Olsson’s motive for resigning. The authority did not accept Olsson’s resignation.
•Heard a report from Bob Radwan of Renfrew, who is a representative of the Utility Services Co.
The company is interested in entering into an agreement with the authority for the maintenance of the 100,000-gallon water storage tank on High Street. The company already has a similar agreement for the 250,000-gallon storage tank.
No action was taken Wednesday on the proposed agreement.
•Transferred James McCloskey, the new state certified operator for the water plant, to employee status. The authority last month named McCloskey to the post on a contract agreement. His pay for the part-time position will remain at $25 per hour.
•Discussed the need to update the Emergency Response Plan.
•Discussed the switch from gaseous chlorine to liquid chlorine in the treatment of water at the plant. This change will eliminate the need for certain safety equipment such as masks for emergency breathing.
•Authorized Chairman Jim Troutman to sign paperwork from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) when “cuts” are made on Main Street (Route 6) for water line repairs.
•Agreed to close the water office at noon on Christmas Eve.
•Authorized Secretary-Treasurer Christine Park to purchase office equipment.
•Re-appointed Ray Haines of Warren as the authority’s auditor.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 05 January 2010 )
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