Borough worker raise debated, approved at Girardville
By Kaylee Lindenmuth
GIRARDVILLE – At their first meeting of 2019 on Thursday, Girardville Borough Council approved a $.25 per hour raise for borough workers and police officers with a 3-2 vote.
The motion, raised by Charles Marquardt, was subject to debate, with council president Rob Krick questioning the fiscal responsibility of the move.
Krick noted that providing healthcare for borough employees costs $5 an hour per employee, though Marquardt still believed the workers deserved a raise.
”Three years ago, the borough was broke. Absolutely broke. As soon as someone sees any money put aside that we can do something with, that we might be able to improve something with, right away we want to spend it,” said Krick.
Council member Dan Heiser added, for borough workers alone, not counting police officers, it would cost the borough $1,300 for the year.
“It’s up to you guys, I’ve seen this road before. We start spending money like nothing, and there’ll be nothing left,” Krick added.
It was also noted that daily reports on the activities of the streets department weren’t being done, after a resident said a mulch pile near borough hall hadn’t been used.
“There’s got to be some reason to spend additional monies,” Krick said. “I’m not quite happy with the performance, I’ll be quite honest.”
Marquardt motioned for a roll call vote on the raises, seconded by Heiser. Voting for were Marquardt, Heiser, and Fred McDonald. Against were Michael Huss and Krick.
In other business, borough council:
- Appointed Marie Finlan to the Girardville Area Municipal Authority
- Noted a USDA loan the borough was looking into is tabled due to the government shutdown
- Approved a motion to contact the borough’s fire companies seeking a solution/agreement regarding a fire chief situation.
- Approved the 2019 Work Session/Meeting schedule, which remains similar to 2018.
- Approved the annual bill list
- Approved the 2019 Payroll schedule
- Approved payment of the 2019 Schuylkill County participation fee of $1,000
- Approved permission for the use of borough hall on Wednesday, January 23 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm
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