BY FRANK SOJAK
SEWARD — Seward Borough Council has adopted a 2010 spending plan that is balanced and retains current taxes.
The $140,000 budget is an increase of $5,000 over the this year’s plan.
Acting President Brian Custer said that council is pleased that it was able to hold the line on taxes for the second consecutive year.
The major reason for that accomplishment is that council members and residents, by donating their time to perform maintenance work on borough property, save the borough between $5,000 and $10,000 annually, he said at Tuesday’s meeting.
In other matters, Custer said the borough’s plow truck is ready for winter and the street department has plenty of anti-skid material and salt to treat roadways.
Connie Catanese, secretary-treasurer of the Seward-
St. Clair Sewage Authority, told council that it’s the borough’s turn to appoint a member to the authority.
Each January, the five-year term of one person on the five-member board expires. The two municipalities alternate filling the vacancy.
Council is accepting applications for the position.
Custer said that because no resident ran for tax collector in the fall, council is considering hiring Pennsylvania Municipal Service Co. to collect property taxes.
The company already
collects the earned income and local service taxes in the borough.
Councilwoman Carol Ed-wards, who filled an unexpired term that is ending soon and did not seek election in the fall, told her colleagues that she has enjoyed her experience on council.
“It was a learning experience,” Edwards said, adding that she plans to continue attending meetings as a resident.
Two other council members, Noel Nepa and George Lichtenfels, also decided not to run and will give up their seats.
Phil Penrose and David R. Croyle were elected to four-year terms in November and Mike Kelly was elected to a two-year term.
Councilman Shawn Shaftic, who filled an unexpired term earlier this year, was elected to a full four-year term.
The four will take their seats when council reorganizes at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 4.
The regular monthly meeting will follow at 7.
