Ford City Borough Council adopted their 2019 budget last night that continues at 17.40 mills with no tax increase.
Vice-President Tyson Klukan said it best as Ford City Council adopted its 2019 budget with no tax increase — “Kudos, Council, Kudos!!!”
Council had spent several months projecting income and expenses for the new year, and held an open public budget meeting in mid-November.
Local resident and former council member Jerry Miklos was the only person in the audience to comment on the budget. He was met with opposition when he questioned the 2 mills of tax that is annually allocated to the Ford City Hose Co. #1 fire department.
“I am in favor of giving the fire department as much money they need. (The question is) How much do they need? Should a borough like Ford City that is at the lower end of (economics) in terms of financial wealth in this county and surrounding areas - why are we giving our fire department significantly more money than anybody else is giving their fire department? We don’t know how much money they have and have been funding them at a higher rate for many years.”
Tom “Smokey” Ondrusek countered Miklos’ claim that the taxpayers are underwriting the fire department.
“I just want to clarify one thing,” Ondrusek said from the back of the room. “The fire department does not get one penny of that millage. That all goes to the engine. All the equipment on the engine, all the gear we have, we get that through grants, relief associations, and fund-raising. Quit saying the people are paying for the fire department. The people (taxpayers) are paying for the engine!”
Councilman Ray Klukan, a member of the Ford City Fire Department, had uncensored words to counter Mr. Miklos’s accusations about the fire department receiving tax money.
Councilman Ray Klukan, who is also a member of the fire department, took exception with Miklos’ comments.
“All I got to say is when it floods, call the plumber. When a tree falls down, call Aspen. It’s just like everything else. We’re free. That’s why you call us. That money that we have (through fundraising) pays for the insurance that you did not want to listen to when you were on Council. Our insurance rep came and wanted to talk to you and you downright refused to talk to him. They would have got you a better rate than what you are getting now. Tomorrow is our meeting. I could say to them, listen guys, let’s not give a shit. The hell with this.’ ”
Councilwoman Beth Bowser asked Borough Solicitor Alyssa Golfieri whether Council had a right to receive annual financial reports from the fire department since Council was allocating tax money to fund their fire truck. Golfieri suggested Council have a conversation with the fire department about “their needs and how the Borough could support that.”
Miklos also questioned why the Borough would pay a company $1,700 for leaf collection in the Park instead of enlisting the help of local scout troops or civic organizations. Council President Carol Fenyes said Council would take his suggestion under advisement.
Tyson Klukan finished the meeting with a laundry list of things he said were accomplishments.
“We see many things are that changing in the Borough. In personnel, hiring Chief Paul Hughes and additional office staff… to implementing technology within our borough… to citizens accessing information and making payments with the click of a button… to updating infrastructure that hasn’t been updated in decades. Furthermore, we have seen investments by new businesses within the borough and also expansion from established groups already… Let’s focus on the positives of what has been accomplished in 2018 such as completion of 100-plus ADA sidewalks that allow our citizens and visitors better walkability… the lease of 313 acres for gas drilling… adding a trail head at the lower end of town through a DCNR grant… Ford City entering into the Armstrong County Land Bank that is a mighty step forward toward the fight against blight… the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures in our police department that were long overdue… updating our zoning ordinances that haven’t been updated since 1970… and updating our comprehensive plan that hasn’t been updated since the 90’s. Don’t become content and get comfortable, but get involved and become proactive. Let’s move forward and flourish in 2019.”
Last night was the last meeting of 2018. The next Council meeting will convene at 6:30 PM on January 14, 2019 in the Latin American Club.