SHARPSVILLE Council OKs funds for paving program

The borough has found money to make some street improvements this year.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
SHARPSVILLE, Pa. -- When borough council put its 2001 budget together in December, it didn't put any money aside for a summer street-paving program.
Street paving was lost in the effort to balance the spending plan, said Mayor Kenneth Robertson.
Council changed its mind Thursday when it authorized taking $80,000 from a general fund capital improvement line item and transferring it to a new street improvement account.
"This is the street program we looked at the other day," said Councilman Thomas Lally, referring to a recent council work session where the need for some street improvements was discussed.
It's not quite the entire package, however.
Gary Grandy, a former councilman who is running for a council seat again in Tuesday's primary, attended the work session.
More funds needed? He said the discussion showed a need for $114,000 to make street improvements deemed necessary by the street department foreman.
Lally, chairman of council's street committee, said $80,000 was the figure his committee felt comfortable with and the street department foreman agreed. If council wants to allocate more, the finance committee should examine the budget to find out if more money is available, he said.
Councilman Robert Piccirilli, finance committee chairman, said the issue will be reviewed.
Councilman Jack Cardwell suggested the borough tap some of the $250,000 set aside for municipal building improvements this year. Not all of that money will be spent, he predicted.
Grandy said the borough should have a fund balance approaching $1 million and there should be sufficient money to increase the street-paving program if council desires.