Montrose reduces tax millage

BY STACI WILSON

Montrose borough residents will likely see a reduction in their 2015 taxes.

The proposed $1.4 million budget for 2015 reduces the millage from 12 to 10 mills for the coming year.

Council will likely adopt its final budget at the Dec. 15 borough meeting.

Council took care of much of its end-of-year business at the Monday, Dec. 1 meeting.

The renewal agreement for fire coverage with United Fire Company was approved; as was the renewal with Blue Cross for the employee insurance; and the contract with JHA Companies for zoning and codes enforcement work in the borough.

Council set its 2015 meeting schedule. Borough meetings will be held on the first Monday of each month, 7 p.m., at the borough building on Cherry Street; and the third Monday of each month, as needed, at 7:30 p.m.

The exception is September when the meeting will be held on the Monday following Labor Day.

Police assistance was approved for the Jingle Bell run. The 3k fun run/walk will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, at 9 a.m., as part of the Christmas in Montrose festivities.

Deputy Tax Collector Clyde G. Colwell tendered his resignation from the position, effective Dec. 31. Clyde Colwell has served as the acting tax collector in the borough since the death of David Colwell earlier this year. Clyde Colwell will finish out the 2014 tax collection year.

The borough has also received $189,000 for new sidewalks along South Main Street – one of 56 projects in the state to receive a grant to improve transportation alternatives.

Transportation alternative projects enhance pedestrian and bicycle facilities, improve access to public transportation, create safe routes to school, preserve historic transportation structures, provide environmental mitigation, create trails that serve a transportation purpose, and promote safety and mobility.