Susq Boro beefs up pension

BY STACI WILSON

Susquehanna Borough plans to pay enough into the police pension fund to remove the town from the state’s distressed list.

Council voted to contribute an additional $30,000 to the Brinker Capital Police Pension Fund this year, and moved to establish a money market account with $65,000 to create a budget line item to meet future police pension obligations.

Council took care of a number of budgetary matters, including advertising the proposed 2016 borough budget which is expected to be adopted at the December council meeting.

The borough also approved an upgrade to the building’s security.

The front door will be equipped with a video monitor, video surveillance and a buzzer, which will be used to let people into the building.

Cost of the security upgrade is just under $2,000 and additional features can be added as needed by the borough.

Councilman Roy Williams said a rate increase was needed for rental application fees from $75 to $100. He also noted that several violations would be taken to the magistrates’ office.

The condition of the stairs on West Main Street was also discussed. Council members were in agreement that the stairs needed to be fixed but will first attempt to find out if the borough owns that property.
The borough did put the rail up on the stairs, Williams told council.

The borough did receive an estimate to have the railing by the church fixed and an insurance claim number so they can be reimbursed for the work.

Several council members helped clean up around Drinker Creek.

Council president Joe Varsik said about 100 tires were pulled from the area. “It’s unbelievable what we pulled out,” he said.

The effort was a follow-up to the spring cleaning council members spearheaded on Erie Avenue.

Williams said areas on Front Street could also use attention in the future.