Penn Township commissioners are pooling resources for a capital improvement program.
Commissioners voted 4-1 Monday to allocate $260,000 received from Valley Landfill, $235,0000 from cable television franchise funds and future retired debt and liquid fuels funds to the 2010 program. Ken Darragh cast the lone opposing vote.
Commissioner George Dunbar said the township should have about $1 million for the program.
"I wanted to get a commitment from all commissioners to have a revenue stream for capital improvements," Dunbar said. "I didn't think we should put together a list of projects unless we had funding set aside. We can build a list of projects for the next few years and prioritize as opposed to sitting back and waiting to see what's in the budget. We're taking a more proactive approach."
Darragh said he is not opposed to the program, but doesn't see the advantage in moving funds from one account to another.
"I think it's a fine idea," Darragh said. "I just don't think we're ready to do it right now. If you take money from your right-hand pocket and move it to your left-hand pocket and use it to pay the bills, you still end up with nothing."
Solicitor Les Mlakar said the commissioners only took the first step in the 2010 budget process and although the motion was approved, commissioners can approve a change in the future.
Also, a special meeting is scheduled at 7 p.m. June 1 to address the 2009 road paving program.
In April, commissioners approved the list of projects. Holland Road is set for reclaiming and sealing, while Sandra, Wayne and Olive drives are set for reclaiming and tentatively scheduled for sealing.
However, if the asphalt prices are deemed reasonable commissioners may have those drives paved instead of sealed. That decision is expected June 1.
"Right now, they're (asphalt prices) right where we want them," said engineer Vince Seyko. "If the bid was awarded today, it would be awarded as paving, but that's still up in the air."
Paving and reclaiming is scheduled for Summit View and Stella drives; an embankment project is planned for Sleepy Hollow Road.
The cost of the 2009 program is $596,653.50 and will be covered by liquid fuels monies.
