Harrisville council addresses deficit
HARRISVILLE — The borough has been operating at a deficit for several years in a row, creating continually piling debt. With the 2025 budget process underway, borough council felt now is the time to address these concerns.
Council discussed budgetary concerns and worked to develop solutions Tuesday, Oct. 15, at its monthly meeting.
Susan Cyphert, a public accountant hired by the council, wrote a letter warning of the concerns she has found in the borough’s budget. This letter was read aloud during the meeting and gave a comprehensive look at the findings of a professional.
“There continues to be some indications that you might fall short of your 2024 budget,” Cyphert wrote.
One of the biggest financial blows faced by the borough is that the Local Services Tax will bring in around $10,000 less than budgeted. Another concern is that a sewer project funded using the Community Development Block Grant went almost $8,000 over budget.
“If sewer usage fee collections continue at the current pace, you will possibly fall about $62,000 short of your budget,” she wrote.
Council President Kathy Bray acknowledged Cyphert’s concerns.
“We don’t know why our collections are going down” she said. “We have to check to make sure that everybody is being billed.”
When asked by a constituent to clarify the letter’s contents, Bray stated, “Our general fund is a mess.”
However, the budget for next year is designed to begin rectifying this situation. Councilwoman April Anschutz delivered a budget report detailing the early workings of the 2025 budget, including a cut for the police department and a recalculation of the Local Services Tax.
“As of where we’re sitting currently for next year, it looks like it is still a deficit … it’s not a $23,000 deficit, it’s about a $5,000 deficit,” Anschutz said. “We cut a lot — as much as we could.”
Another concern Anschutz raises is the need for reorganization of internal accounts.
“There’s stuff that is being paid out of our general fund that should not be paid out of our general fund,” Anschutz said. “We need to get that fixed with the accounting firm before we actually have something set in stone.”
Considering the improving financial situation, Anschutz put forth a motion for a 3 percent cost of living wage increase for all borough employees. Anschutz felt this was especially important due to the lack of increase over the past three years. The motion passed unanimously and will be effective Jan. 1.
The council also discussed the construction of new amenities for the Harrisville Community Park, including a refurbished skate park, a bandstand, pavilions and a dog park. The council plans to utilize grants to partially fund the projects.
The next Harrisville Borough Council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Nov. 12.
