Hollidaysburg Borough Council Finalizes Budget

At its Dec. 9 monthly meeting, the Hollidaysburg Borough Council unanimously approved the 2022 annual budget. Total property tax millage will remain the same at 3.55 total mills, which included 2.06 mills for the general fund, 0.16 mills for the street lighting, 0.63 mills for parks and recreation, and 0.16 mills for fire. Borough Manager Jim Gehret said the 2022 budget will have a deficit of $5,983 but that could be made up by an increase in revenue. Gehret went on to say that the budget is in good shape. Earned income tax, per capita tax, real estate transfer tax and local services tax will also not change in 2022.

Councilman James Mielnik met with the Phoenix Volunteer Fire Co. and they are still waiting for a report from the certified public accountant. A motion to remove the hold on all funds remaining from 2021 so the fire company could pay bills was approved by the council, with Council President Joseph Pompa casting the only no vote. Mielnik said there is still much work to be done with the Phoenix Fire Co., but he will be meeting with them quarterly to monitor their progress.

During the public comment section, Richard Latka of the Hollidaysburg Public Watchdog said they are doing a fire department investigation. Before taking any action against the fire company, they will wait for the report from the CPA. They are also concerned about the tens of millions of dollars Latka claims is coming into the Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission and how it is handled.

Gehret discussed the 2.5 percent salary increase for both unions in the borough staff. A motion was made to approve the increase and was passed unanimously. Due to death of a board member on the Hollidaysburg Borough Authority, the council unanimously approved a motion to appoint Loren Hershberger to fill the vacancy on the authority.

Councilman Walter Kalista requested that borough council members discuss making masking mandatory at all meetings. Pompa pointed out that the council chambers currently has a HEPA filter, which exceeds required recommendation for air circulation. Kalista pointed out that UPMC is at capacity with COVID patients, cases are at an all-time high in the county and there is an 87.5 percent increase in the Blair County death rate from COVID. The motion to require masking was defeated by a 5-2 vote with Councilmen Leahey and Kalista the only members to vote to support the motion.

Mayor Joe Dodson recognized the Blair County Veterans Honor Guard for their faithful service for many years of providing a final salute to deceased veterans. The Honor Guard has served at over 1,600 veteran funerals. The Mayor proclaimed the week of Dec. 12 as National Honor Guard Week in the borough. The members of the guard in attendance were presented with pins and a plaque for their faithful service since 2008.

Melanie Ramsey provided a community relations and events report to the board. There were over 40 units taking part in the Winterfest parade, which went on for over 45 minutes. The Light Up the Night Christmas tree lighting on the Diamond downtown featured 13,000 lights on the tree. The tree was donated by Mary Morris of Altoona.

The next Hollidaysburg Borough Council meeting will be held Jan. 3 as a reorganizational meeting and regular meeting.