No tax increase expected in Susquehanna Borough

Residents in Susquehanna Depot will see no increase in their borough tax bills in 2018.
Council is proposing a budget of about $418,500 for the year, with the tax rate holding at 25.7 mils.
The proposed budget will be advertised. along with the tax ordinance, and is expected to be adopted by the borough council at its Wednesday, Dec. 13 meeting.
The borough’s Dept. of Public Works asked council to consider purchasing a shed to store the growing number of seasonal decorations and equipment. The items are eating into the DPW’s storage space.
A shed, similar to the one used by the Susquehanna Community Development Association, would cost about $6,000.
Margaret Biegert told council that the SCDA has identified several potential spots in the town that could be used as “pocket parks.” She said the group would be asking churches and/or organizations to sponsor a park. Organizations that agreed to a sponsorship would be not only responsible for the creation of the park, but also for its maintenance.
Several of the properties identified as potential spots are owned by the borough. Council President Joe Varsik said, before moving forward, he would like a group’s plan presented to the council for its approval.
Beigert also said a committee has been formed to work on the redesign of the downtown area. The group will use the borough’s old comprehensive plan as a “jumping off point” for the potential project.
At the Oct. 11 meeting, council marked the death of Councilman John Hendrickson with a moment of silence. At last week’s meeting, council agreed with a suggestion from John Sholtiss to purchase a memorial brick in the late councilman’s honor.
Mayor Nancy Hurley said she had received multiple compliments regarding the police, street and codes departments, including appreciation that the entities were working well together. She said the compliments came from both residents and businesses.
Electric has reportedly been installed at the new borough sign and was set to be activated on Friday, Nov. 10.
Varsik reported that voter turnout on election day in the borough was 29.27 percent. He said that of the 722 registered voters, 197 cast ballots in the municipal election. “I wish it was more,” he said, noting the importance of filling local government positions.
Councilwoman Debra Zayas asked if a “Voter Registration Day” event was ever held in the borough.
Hurley said that has been discussed and would likely be an event organized by the county’s Republican and Democratic organizations.
Zayas said she was surprised by the number of people – both young and old – who were not registered to vote.
Susquehanna Borough Council meets on the second Wednesday of every month, 6 p.m., in the borough building.