HARRISVILLE — Borough council approved a motion to begin legal action regarding unpaid sewage bills during its meeting Monday night, May 1.

Council member and borough maintenance supervisor Dave Evans said 16 residents are delinquent in bills totaling approximately $36,000.

He said the first step would be the issuance of a letter of legal action to those who are delinquent. The letter will include why the payment or action is demanded and what the consequences will be for nonpayment.

Council members indicated the borough is willing to work with residents and set up payment plans.

Letters to residents owing $1,000 or more will be delivered by borough police officers.

The borough’s 2023 budget is nearing completion.

At Monday’s well-attended meeting, council decided that final deliberation on the spending plan will take place at a series of public meetings at borough hall.

The first will be at 7 p.m. on May 15. Final approval is expected to take place June 19 at the same time and location. The approved budget will be published in newspapers and available for review at the borough office.

The delayed borough audit is nearing completion and awaiting the submission of bank statements and receipts for equipment. Council acknowledged that past staffing issues and record-keeping omissions contributed to the delay. It was noted that new borough clerk Doug Cook has been working diligently to address the issue.

Council also selected Grove Park Agway to replace the water pressure tank for the new community park restrooms. The low bid was $1,034 and will be paid with borough COVID-19 relief funds. Council stressed the work needs be completed prior to Community Day, other events and general use of the park.

Patrolman Trey Carulli, informed council of the need to “come up with a game plan” to address traffic and safety management for an upcoming parade and events. He noted the borough has one active police vehicle until delivery of the recently purchased replacement.

Zack Sansom, project manager from EADS Group in Clarion, told council that September is the anticipated completion date for the Route 8 storm line and sidewalk project, as required permits have been received. Sansom also updated council on the status of the Kozy Rest sewage extension, indicating solicitors from the relevant parties have not completed their review.

At a meeting Monday, May 1, Harrisville borough council:

• Approved the bond release for Sheetz pending satisfactory inspection

• Approved work shirts for the maintenance crew

• Amended authorization for paying borough bills from two council members to one council member and the borough clerk

• Heard a proposal by council member Mary Ann Hughes to place a crib in the borough hall vestibule to welcome newborns into the community and allow people to donate infant supplies. She said the borough a similar program in the past.

• Citing safety concerns, heard a proposal to modify an ordinance to prohibit anyone younger age 16 from riding ATVs and golf carts on streets. It will be considered by council’s ordinance committee.

• Heard a proposal to repurpose a retired police vehicle for use by the maintenance department, rather than purchasing a used truck

• Discussed acquiring a street sweeping attachment for a borough maintenance vehicle so the work could be done by the borough instead of outsourcing

• Noted the next borough council meetings would be May 15 and June 5. Both will begin at 7 p.m. at the borough hall.