The Sayre borough council Thursday adopted the 2013 borough budget and the ordinance setting the 2013 tax rate at 10.37 mills.
The $8,461,307 budget will fully fund all current programs, and the tax rate will remain unchanged for the fourth year in a row. "I think we have a budget that will meet the needs of our citizens," said council vice president Gene Cerutti.
The budget did not include about $334,000 that the borough anticipated through the state's impact fee on natural gas wells. Council president Henry Farley asked council members to submit suggestions for projects to borough manager Dave Jarrett, who will compile a list. The council will then discuss ways to spend the money at a future, yet to be scheduled meeting, he said.
The council also approved the purchase and installation of three security cameras to be placed in Howard Elmer Park from Teledair Communications and Security of Sayre at a cost of $3,195.
Two cameras will be placed on the park's east end, and the other one will face the gazebo in the center of the park, said councilman Bob Flick. The park's west side is covered by cameras installed on the Guthrie campus across the street, Flick said.
The cameras will be installed to protect improvements made to the park's monuments and landmarks over the summer, Flick said.
The council also accepted the resignation of Hildegard Mohr from the borough's shade tree commission, leaving the commission with one member.
Borough officials will actively work to fill vacancies on several boards and commissions early next year, Jarrett said.
Amanda Renko can be reached at (570) 888-9652; or email: arenko@thedailyreview.com
