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HUNTINGDON (June 25) — The Huntingdon Town Council met Tuesday with several items on the agenda, including budgetary matters and an annual adjustment of water/sewer rates. The board approved the first of two readings on the 2019-20 budget and finalized with a second reading routine year-end amendments to the 2018-19 budget. Also approved was an automatic adjustment of water and sewer rates to reflect the cost of living.
Prior to a vote, Mayor Dale Kelley delivered comments on the new budget, saying, “As mayor and town council, it is our goal through Fiscal Year 2020 to continue building infrastructure and laying the groundwork to secure the needs of future generations.” He laid out ongoing grant projects, including culverts on Mebanewood Drive, sidewalks along Clark Street beside the middle school and from Sixth Avenue to East Paris Street, Phase II of the Kelley Sports Complex addition and facade improvements to downtown district buildings. Utility Fund projects include replacement of pumping stations at Williams Street, Highway 22 Bypass and Buena Vista Road and a sewer line extension and lagoon renovation.
The budget includes capital purchases of a larger rescue unit for the fire department and motor vehicle and equipment purchases from the Drug Fund.
Town employees will receive an annual raise and continuation of health coverage and other benefits.
Mayor Kelley said, “We continue to provide our high standard of service for public safety, public works, recreation and cultural activities and economic growth for our community.”
The tax rate will remain unchanged at $1.34 per $100 assessment.
The 2019-20 General Fund estimates revenues at $4,882,850 and expenses and transfers out at $5,011,600. A grant match of $81,750 paid from note made in the prior fiscal year makes revenues $8,000 over expenses.
The Drug Control Fund expects revenues of $5,050 and expenses of $48,500. The deficit of $43,450 will be funded from prior year reserves.