Coaldale passes budget, tax rate to stay the same

Coaldale Borough Council on Tuesday approved a 2010 budget that calls for the tax rate to stay the same at 20.54 mills.

That means the owner of a home assessed at $25,000 will pay $513.50 in property tax next year. The spending plans projects $1,495,000 in revenue and $1,420,000 in expenses.

In other matters, Council agreed to buy a new police cruiser, a Crown Victoria, for $32,043.40 and a used backhoe for $19,500. The backhoe purchase was from Medico Industries Construction Equipment, which offered the lowest of four bids.

Councilman Joseph Hnat said he would re-open discussion on salaries and benefits paid to officers of the Lansford-Coaldale Joint Water Authority in January. Council on Monday met in special session to discuss the matter, but took no action. Lansford Councilman Tommy Vadyak has been pursuing changes in the amounts the officers, who are also employees, are paid.

Several Coaldale Council members are also unhappy with the generous salary/benefit package.

Also on Tuesday, newly-elected Mayor Richard Corkery announced plans for an Open House at the Coaldale Complex from 2-4 p.m. Jan. 10.