New Wilmington postpones cable vote

By NANCY LOWRY

nlowry@ncnewsonline.com



New Wilmington Borough Council has again postponed action on its cable television operation.

Council members — considering a $2 million proposal by Comcast based in New Kensington and a $2.5 million proposal from Armstrong Cable of Butler — said Monday night they need more time.

At a special meeting Friday, council members discussed the anticipated sale of its cable television with consultant Brian Jacobson.

According to council, the consultant raised questions about the cost of upgrading the system and hiring additional employees to maintain an upgraded system. Because council did not have that information, members agreed to table the decision.

The borough has operated a cable television service since 1979, offering 70 channels to about 1,000 customers who pay $30 per month. Internet service is offered to 275 customers. Projected cable television revenues for 2008 are $529,418.

Council expects to announce its decision at its next meeting — 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3.

The lack of a decision on the future of the borough’s cable is affecting the proposed 2008 budget.

“Given the uncertainties, I have budgeted about the same amount for cable as this year and have not included any capital expenses for cable in the budget,” said Councilman Kenneth Romig, chairman of the finance committee, which is in charge of the spending plan.

Romig reported the borough’s proposed 2008 budget will be on display at the municipal building. Council will vote on the spending plan at a special meeting set for 5 p.m. Dec. 10.

Without knowing if the borough will keep or sell the cable operation, Romig said, he can not include accurate figures.

At $1,319,288, he noted, the estimated operating budget is about the same as the current year’s. Capital projects were greater last year because about $400,000 in improvements were budgeted for the swimming pool. The borough received grants for much of this expense, he added.

This year, Romig said, expenses will include street repaving, purchase of a salt spreader and snow plow, work on the municipal building and continuing work on the sewer infiltration system.

“If not for these expenses,” he said, “we’d be in good shape.”

To fund the improvements, Romig proposes borrowing $244,000 from the borough’s almost $1 million reserve fund.

Romig also said $35,780 received through investment interest will be budgeted in the municipal account to be used for negotiated police pension benefits.

Council also opened trash collection bids from Tri-County of Grove City and Waste Management of Moon Township. Bids will be reviewed by solicitor Frank Verterano and the committee. The decision is expected to be announced council’s Dec. 3 meeting.

Council president Larry Wagner explained ordinances passed Monday night. A new sidewalk ordinance clarifies unclear language in previous ordinances, he said.

“Simply put, residents are responsible for maintaining their sidewalks. This includes vegetation.”

Residents with tree branches overhanging the sidewalk must have a 50-foot clearance and hedges must be trimmed back.

Council also adopted a local services tax ordinance.

This tax, to take effect in January, requires residents to pay an occupational tax of $42 per year. Wagner said anyone making less than $12,000 is excluded.