Ford City Budgeting for 2016
The entrance to Ford City from the Veterans Bridge that connects with Cadogan.
by Jonathan Weaver
Ford City leaders are seeking local input as to shaping the 2016 budget.
During last night’s monthly work session, Council President Kathy Bartuccio, Vice-President Jerry Miklos and Councilwoman Beth Bowser brainstormed with Borough Manager Eden Ratliff and local residents before discussions on next year’s funding plan.
Final 2015 General Fund expenditures are expected to total $2.1 million.
Miklos had a list of additional projects for next year, including infrastructure upgrades, cosmetic improvements (such as street signs) and consider any technology cost savings as well as working with community business leaders.
As was discussed at a few Economic Development meetings with business leaders and non-profits, Miklos hoped to institute a community flea market.
He thought the “perfect” location for the community flea market and perhaps a dog park was after grading a former PPG location.
Ratliff’s home community of West Chester has a dog park, and he called it “extremely popular.”
Miklos thought the flea market could work hand-in-hand with the weekly farmers’ market established earlier this year to effectively market the community, but did not want to “drown” each separate market.
“I think we need to develop a plan on how to do this,” Miklos added.
Local Resident Bill Oleksak proposed adding lights to Ford City’s section of the Rails-to-Trails through community donations, sponsorship and grant funding.
Various street repairs are also scheduled to be addressed this coming year, but a priority listing has not been completed by local Planning Commission members.
With any of the projects, Miklos did not think taxpayers would have to pay anything more.
“I am looking at a tax decrease in this budget – even if it’s a slight decrease, there’s absolutely no reason that we cannot do that,” Miklos said.
Bartuccio agreed with Miklos’ suggestions, but had some additional questions regarding the dog park suggestion.
Local News | jweaver October 27, 2015
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By jorn jensen, October 27, 2015 @ 9:21 AM
How are you going to pay any of the $580k back and still grant a tax decrease?
By Just sayin, October 27, 2015 @ 11:11 AM
The money has to come from somewhere…politicians are fake…when one branch lowers taxes, the other branch raises them… This includes: local, county, state, and federal…just sayin’.
By steve, October 27, 2015 @ 5:02 PM
Jorn, you are right. What kind of magic could make this happen???
Jerry and Eden need to go along with the other jokers on this council.
By sickofpayingforit, October 27, 2015 @ 5:27 PM
Have to love the tenacity. They are captaining a sinking ship, yet continue to try to stay on somewhat of a course. Has to count for something I suppose.