BLAIRSVILLE - Blairsville Council ended 2002 by approving some unplanned vehicular and technology expenditures.
Still, officials indicated the borough will finish the year in the black, preparing the way for a 2003 budget which holds the line on taxes.
Council Tuesday finalized the new year's budget, with a property tax of 16.36 mills supporting expenditures totaling $1,185,513.
Borough Manager Ron Hood indicated more than $45,000 in unexpended funds should be available to carry over into next year's budget.
Among the largest expense categories planned for 2003 are: public works, $115,818, and police, $229,646.
Items for the police department were among last-minute expenditures approved under the 2002 budget.
At the recommendation of Police Chief James Guffey, council agreed to purchase a new computer software system for managing police records.
The software package will be provided by San Jose-based Crime Star for an initial fee of $3,740. Tech support services will carry an additional annual fee of $340.
When quizzed by council members, Guffey noted the new software will be able to handle such tasks as generating state-mandated reports on crime statistics and tracking individuals who are arrears in paying fines.
Listing advantages of Crime Star, he noted the company operates nationally and has designed software suited for a smaller department such as Blairsville. Also, it will permit two people to use the system simultaneously.
He said a competing software system offered in Pennsylvania would have cost more ($4,400 for the initial fee and then $1,000 for annual tech support), would allow only one user at a given time and is more suited to a larger department with 15 or more officers.
Under an agreement with Guffey, council will purchase a used Ford Taurus for his use in commuting from Cranberry Township. Hired in July, Guffey was given a year to move to the borough.
Ray Bowser Auto Sales is supplying the car, with a two-year warranty, at a cost of about $3,800.
Hood noted the chief had been using a vehicle the borough leased from the 12th Congressional District Regional Equipment Center, but it developed major engine problems. In the meantime, Guffey has been using one of Blairsville's police cruisers.
Once he moves to Blairsville, Guffey suggested, the Taurus could be used by officers traveling to court appearances.
Included in the 2003 police budget is an expanded force consisting of Guffey, three full-time officers and several part-timers. One of the full-time positions has been added for at least three years, funded by a federal grant.
Blairsville's part-time police roster was reduced from four to three Tuesday when council terminated the recently hired James Platt. Council noted only that "he was unable to meet the qualifications."
Guffey said he expects to be able to adjust work schedules and maintain police coverage without hiring an additional part-timer to fill the vacancy.
Council approved standard operating procedures Guffey has drafted for officers. He noted the set of rules and regulations draws on his experience in Ross Township, where he served as an administrator.
Blairsville will advertise for a new or used dump truck to replace an 1984 five-ton model which has been in frequent disrepair.
Hood noted repair bills have mounted to about $8,000 for the truck, which most recently broke down during last week's snowstorm, "when we needed it most. We've put off too long replacing that vehicle."
Council will advertise for an interim borough code enforcement officer, until a new statewide building code system is implemented.
Hood has been holding down that job but will give it up Jan. 1. It was agreed he would phase out of the code position after he was hired as manager of the Municipal Authority.
In other business, council agreed to take out a 2003 tax anticipation loan of up to $120,000 from First Commonwealth Bank at 1.97 percent interest and a $120 fee.
Council also agreed to reopen the recently approved borough police contract for discussion of a limited issue: number of hours worked in one day.
Duree Scribe was appointed to a seat on the BMA board. At the authority's January meeting, she will replace Joe Serwinski, who currently chairs BMA.
Tom Nastase and Stephen Stoklosa were reappointed to the borough planning commission.
Meanwhile, applicants are needed for three vacancies on the shade tree commission, which is expanding to five members.
One seat on the commission has just been vacated by borough council member Mary Ugoletti, who resigned due to obligations of her new post with the Indiana Arts Council.
Council agreed to continue meeting on the third Tuesday of each month, while workshop sessions will be on the second Wednesday. All meetings begin at 7 p.m.
Blairsville council will meet in joint session with BMA Dec. 30 at 7 p.m. to consider bids for insurance coverage.
Josh Gwinn, one of the organizers of a community recycling day, reported about 100 people turned out, dropping off more than two tons of items.
The next collection is set for 10-5 Feb. 1.
Council received word that the First Energy Foundation donated $2,000 to develop Wyotech Park, a recreational area on flood control property off Johnston Avenue on the south edge of town.
A skate park is among the projects being proposed for the site, leased from the Army Corps of Engineers.
Council adopted a resolution, agreeing to apply on behalf of the Blairsville Intown Group (BIG) for state funding of a Main Street economic development program in the borough.
According to BIG President Linda Gwinn, the program would provide $90,000 over five years, with a local match required. Among other things, the money could be used to hire a downtown manager.
Also, the Main Street Program provides funds to help merchants improve their storefronts. Blairsville's three banks have established a $300,000 fund to provide low-interest loans for Market Street facade improvements.
