News

March 5, 2008

West Pittston must pay state $17,000

RALPH NARDONE Times Leader Correspondent

WEST PITTSTON – Borough council learned Tuesday night it must pay back approximately $17,000 to the state because of misuse of state liquid fuels funds.

The state allocates liquid fuels funds to the borough for specific purposes based on the total miles of roads.

A recent state audit of the borough’s liquid fuel funds accounts found three “ineligible activities” where the funds were used, said Borough Manager Savino Bonita. He said they took place in 2005.

The audit identified one ineligible activity as the use of funds to repair a vehicle not considered a public works vehicle, Bonita said. The other two misuses resulted from purchases of salt and asphalt by the borough when the necessary bids were not solicited, he said.

Bonita stressed the money owed will be taken from the borough’s general fund, adding it is not accounted for in the borough’s current budget. He did not specify during the meeting how the borough will absorb the cost.

In response to Council President Brian Thornton asking if the payment to the state is absolutely necessary, Bonita said future liquid fuels funds might be jeopardized if the borough does not reimburse the fund.

In other actions, council voted unanimously to appoint new Police Chief Paul Porfirio, who recently passed borough civil service requirements. District Judge Joseph Carmody swore in Porfirio, who was accompanied by his wife, Deedra, and young children Tierney and Tyler.

Porfirio worked as a police officer for about 20 years in Pittston, including time as chief from 2001 to 2006.

He thanked the borough and thanked the several police officers who stood at the meeting showing their support. He added he looks forward to filling the new post and to serving the borough residents.

When asked if the appointment of a new chief means the borough is not participating in a possible regionalized police force, Thornton said the question is basically on hold at this time. Mayor William Goldsworthy and council member Pete Musinski currently represent the borough in the regional police commission study.

Bonita also said zoning officer Barry Hosier and planning commission volunteer Frank Delaney resigned in February.

Tweet	Follow @TLnews