LEWISTOWN — Lewistown Borough Council convened on Tuesday, focusing on key issues such as the 2024 budget, the induction of new council members and addressing the status of a current councilman.

The Council approved the 2024 Budget at its last meeting, but then, in a split 3-2 vote, the new Council members spearheaded reopening the approved 2024 budget for further review and discussion. This budget must be approved no later than the Feb. 14 Council Meeting.

Regarding fiscal policies, the council ratified the 2024 Budget, endorsing a notable measure: the tax resolution. This resolution includes a singular increase of 1.5 mills specifically allocated for the fire tax. This decision underscores the council’s prioritization of community safety and emergency response services.

This increase is expected to generate approximately $150,000 per year for the specialty tax fund to assist in paying for the recent purchase/contract of the new $1.6M fire engine for the Lewistown Fire Department.

A significant change in the council’s composition occurred with the swearing-in of three new members: Matt Moore, Steven Knudson, and Robert Barlett. Their induction, which took place before the meeting, marks a pivotal moment for the council’s dynamics. These new members were instrumental in the decision to revisit the budget.

In addition to these changes, the council faces a challenge with Bill Wilson, a councilman who reportedly no longer resides within the Borough. His continued occupancy of a council seat, now deemed invalid, has prompted the council to initiate legal proceedings through the Borough Solicitor and the District Attorney’s office.

With five current members, the council is seeking to fill two impending vacancies. The first vacancy results from the resignation of Councilman Robert Hammond, and a second (Wilson) is anticipated in the future. If possible, the council plans to appoint individuals to these seats in the upcoming meeting on Jan. 10.

One immediate consequence of these vacancies is the difficulty in forming committees, leading to the suspension of committee meetings. This temporary halt underscores the importance of the Council’s full assembly for operational functionality.

A previously scheduled meeting on Dec. 27, meant for finalizing budget figures and concluding fiscal year 2023 business, was canceled for lack of a quorum. With the new Council members taking office at the Jan. 2 organization meeting, a quorum was present to continue moving forward with business operations.

Leadership roles within the council were also determined. Jim Steele Jr. was voted in as the Council president, and Larry ‘Heavy’ Searer was elected as the vice president. These appointments are pivotal in guiding the council’s future direction and overseeing its operations.

Integrating new members, alongside strategic leadership appointments, positions the council to navigate the challenges and responsibilities of the coming year.

And with the recent state denial of a $1M grant submitted by the Borough and the County’s resistance to support with ARPA funds to assist in the repair of the wastewater treatment plant’s primary digester, this estimated $2.5M project falls back onto the financial shoulders of the citizens of the Borough and surrounding municipalities.

In other news:

• The Council opened the sealed bids for the Borough equipment available for bidding. The Council approved the highest bidder for each, and it will be posted on the Borough Website;

• Council approved the WWTP Sludge Removal contract. Council members said the cost is a 30% to 50% increase in some areas;

• Council accepted the resignation of Councilman Robert Hammond;

• Council accepted the resignation of Lewistown Fire Department Chief Bob Barlett;

• Council approved a resolution honoring Chief Bob Barlett for his 10 years of service as the fire chief;

• Council appointed Bob Douglas as the new Lewistown Fire Department Chief;

• Council is planning on appointing a vacancy board chairman in the event of unfilled council seats. They will probably do this at the meeting on Jan. 10;

• Council appointed Barry Bargo for another term on the Mifflin County Municipal Authority Board.