New Castle applies for state loan

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — The city is applying for a $750,000 emergency loan through the state Department of Community and Economic Development as part of the city’s recovery plan under Act 47.

Money from the 10-year, no-interest loan would be used to help cover the city’s operating expenses through the end of the year. Payments on the loan would be initiated next year.

Also, city council recently introduced several ordinances that would increase various fees recommended by the code enforcement department.

Council is looking at increasing annual permit fees for gasoline filling stations to $100 for less than 100,000 gallons; $200 for 100,000 to 150,000 gallons; and $300 for more than 150,000 gallons.

The current fees are $20, $40 and $50, respectively.

A second ordinance would increase permit fees for moving a structure or building across a sidewalk, street or other public place within the city from $50 to $250.

Permit fees to move a structure or building from one location to another without crossing any public ground, now at $20, would increase to $100.

Sewer connection fees would increase to $500 for each residential dwelling unit and $1,000 for schools, churches and institutions in addition to commercial and industrial buildings. The current fee for residential properties is $100.

For commercial properties, the current fee varies depending on the size of the line.

People requesting a conditional-use permit or a subdivision permit would pay a $250 fee for each. The current fee is $100 for each.