Borough moving billing back in-house
SHENANDOAH – Borough Council voted Monday night to bring trash and sewer billing back in-house after about a year into an outsourcing agreement.
The borough entered into the agreement after sewer and trash payments went missing. A former borough employee was later charged for theft and accused of taking those funds. The case is currently moving through county court, with a status conference scheduled for Oct. 20.
Bob Shumski, of Turkey Run, urged council during the first public comment portion of the meeting to bring billing in-house.
“To save the borough $9,000, let’s start paying our trash and sewer bills here at the borough, check or money order only,” Shumski said. “I think its the right thing to do to save the borough money.”
Councilman Michael Whitecavage asked Borough Manager Anthony Sajone about the cost savings, which he said would be closer to $6,000 or $7,000.
Sajone also said payment processing would be easier in-house.
Whitecavage made a motion to move billing in-house, seconded by Councilman Joe Boris. Boris is not related to the former borough secretary.
Council voted to approve the motion.
In other business, council approved an agreement with Aqua Pennsylvania for water shutoffs for delinquent sewer bills.
Solicitor Jim Amato said the agreement would govern the process and required notices to have water service shut off.
Boris also provided an update on the ongoing conversion to LED street lighting.
Some of the lights are on backorder, and PPL Electric Utilities is working on the lights as they receive them.
In other business, council approved:
- The purchase of a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 4500 Dump Truck with a plow and spreader at a cost of $87,398;
- The payment of $9,714 to Trendsetters Investments for the emergency demolition of 32-30 East Lloyd Street;
- A resolution seeking county CDBG funding for a sewer inlet repair and blight demolition;
- The demolition of a collapsing home at 207 West Arlington Street;
- Four handicap parking applications;
- A request by the Shenandoah Valley Senior Class to hold a homecoming parade on Oct. 6 at 6pm;
- A request for street closures in the area of the ambulance building for the upcoming night out.
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