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Jonestown Borough Council discussed the purchase of a more expensive leaf vacuum using grant money during its Dec. 3 meeting.
The previous leaf vac they were looking at is diesel-fueled and would cost $71,188. The new one they are considering runs on gas and would cost $86,247.
With the $64,800 recycling grant they received, this would leave the borough covering between $8,000 and $22,000, depending on which option they go with.
Council president Tom Keefer said he will be in contact with the people who awarded the grant to see if they can provide more funds based on the changing plan. Although additional resources aren’t guaranteed, he said it could save the borough money if they decide to increase the grant.
Council member Rick Kline said either way, he thinks the township can cover the difference in costs through the general fund.
“If we’re going to get something, we might as well get what we want,” Keefer said. “It may be here for many, many years with us, hopefully.”
He said he would also be contacting businesses to try to negotiate a lower price for the leaf vac.
Council also unanimously voted to advertise the 2025 budget, which is balanced with about $550,000 in both expected revenue and expected expenditures. There were no changes made after the last reading, and the millage rate will stay consistent at 1.8 mills.
It must be advertised and available to the public for at least 10 days before council can vote to approve it. For Jonestown Borough, this will happen at a workshop meeting on Dec. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the borough office.
In other business, council unanimously approved:
- A resolution increasing the Cleona Borough Police Department’s hourly rate from $105 to $110. Kline said this increase was already accounted for in the budget, and the police department did not provide a reason for the requested increase.
- Bonuses for borough employees. Secretary Mariah Mauser said four employees received bonuses of $200 and a seasonal worker received a bonus of $125, for a total of $925 in bonuses, which will be paid from the general fund.
Jonestown Borough Council will meet next at 295 S. Mill St. on Dec. 23 at 6:30 p.m. for a workshop meeting where they will vote to approve their 2025 budget. The next regular meeting will be on Jan. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
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