Click here to subscribe today or Login.
DRUMS — To finance the final phase of construction at the new municipal building, supervisors this week approved an ordinance to issue a general obligation bond of $1.6 million.
The money will not only pay for the building, which is situated in the business park off Route 309, but also cover ongoing improvements at Freedom Park.
Board president Brian Kisenwether said work at the new office is “ahead of schedule” and there is a possibility of occupancy before the end of 2018.
The primary contractor is Miller Brothers of Schuylkill County.
Besides the bond issue, supervisors also authorized the expenditure of $39,606 for the purchase of new lockers for the police department and the purchase of used cubicles for police for $7,000.
In addition, supervisors announced that a proposed 2019 budget of $5,232,671 is available for public inspection at the township municipal building. Kisenwether said the spending plan keeps tax rates the same; adoption is set for the Dec. 11 meeting.
In other business, supervisors:
• Approved the purchase ($7,936 from Tri-State Technical) of replacement valves at the wastewater plant.
• Approved a change order request of $7,248 from Richard E. Angelo Inc. for renovation work at Freedom Park.
• Approved a collective bargaining agreement with employees who are affiliated with the AFSCME union.
• Approved the hiring at $16 per hour of Nick Payne and Mike Zapotocky as part-time seasonal employees.
• Approved the transfer of $25,000 to Valley Rescue and Fire to cover costs for fuel and utility services.
• Acted to advertise for a clerk to serve in the wastewater department.
• Approved the payment of $510,000 on the wastewater bond.
• Approved a resolution to seek a 2019 local share grant to finance the proposed purchase of a Volvo loader for $140,506 and an International plow truck for $114,095. Local share funding comes from casino revenue.