WHEATLAND, FARRELL

Wheatland council acknowledged Wednesday it had received a letter from the Farrell Recreation Commission seekin an annual donation, but took no action.

The commission is strapped for cash. Its annual Community Development Block Grant from the city of Farrell is frozen because of bookkeeping problems, and the Farrell Area School District reduced its contribution this year by $7,500.

The commission runs an eight-week summer recreation program at playgrounds in Wheatland and Farrell, and maintains the playgrounds during that time.

Council used to pay to extend the program by two weeks at the Wheatland playground but has not done so for several years, officials said.

Wheatland Council President David Cusick said the request seems to have come late, considering the summer program is under way.

Councilwoman Lorraine Jones said the request is too early for next year, and should come in at budget time later in the year.

"I think you're right but that's not going to help them this year," said Mayor Tom Stanton.

Stanton suggested council base an annual contribution on population and the city of Farrell's contribution.

He suggested dividing Farrell's $5,000 contribution by its number of residents -- 6,050 -- to come up with a per-person ratio, and then applying that ratio to Wheatland's residents -- 748.

Using Stanton's ratio, Wheatland would contribute $618 a year.

Council said it would talk about a donation.