Delmont notes: 2022 budget passes with no tax hike, Eagle project proposed in Newhouse Park
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Delmont Council has given its blessing for a local Boy Scout to move forward with his Eagle project, installing a covered picnic table at Newhouse Park.
Cody Kuehen of Troop 211 out of Delmont wants to install a table with metal roofing atop an asphalt base at the front of the park near the parking lot.
“It will have an area for posting fliers about local events, and it will have electricity for lighting, phone chargers and things like that,” Kuehen said.
He estimated the project would cost a little over $4,000. One of several components of an Eagle project is fundraising, and Kuehen said he plans to approach local hardware and building-supply businesses for monetary or in-kind donations.
“I think it’s great,” said Delmont Councilman Stan Cheyne, who is also part of the Delmont Recreation Board. “If there is going to be an electrical component, we may want to look into at least installing the conduit, so we know where it’s running.”
Councilwoman Becky Matesevac suggested Kuehen return to council at its March meeting for an update on his fundraising efforts.
“That way, we can know how much money you may be asking from the borough at some point,” she said.
2022 budget
Council voted unanimously to pass a $1.68 million budget for 2022.
The budget does not include a tax hike; property taxes will remain at 18 mills.
Council also approved the first hike in elected officials’ salaries since 1994, roughly doubling both the mayor’s annual compensation at $100 per month (previously $55), and council’s at $90 per month (previously $45).
For 2022, the raises will only go into effect for council members beginning new terms following last month’s election: Mayor Alyce Urban and council members Stan Cheyne, Pam Simpson, Andrew Shissler and Jeff Cunningham.
Other business
• Council gave its approval to the Delmont Visionary Committee to look into the installation of a bike maintenance pad at the Rose Wigfield Parklet on Greensburg Street.
The pad will allow cyclists to mount a bicycle and will be equipped with basic tools like a wrench and air pump, which will be tethered to the pad.
The committee needs to raise $1,500 in order to make use of a recent $500 grant.
• Council will host its annual reorganization meeting at 7 p.m., Jan. 3 at the borough building, 77 Greensburg St.
• There will be a Christmas parade, as the public works truck brings Santa’s sleigh throughout the borough starting at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 19. The parade will leave from Faith United Methodist Church.