Published Wednesday, March 12, 2003
nearly empty
Herald Staff Writer
Greenville borough employees will get their paychecks this month. After that, the borough may have to use a sizable chunk of its emergency state loan to cover April payroll.
Councilwoman Pamela Auchter told council members Tuesday that after the bills are paid, the borough will have $49,412 in its general fund and $118,914 left of the $660,000 state emergency loan it received last year when it became Pennsylvania's 18th financially distressed community.
Monthly payroll drains $122,827 out of borough coffers.
"The tax bills were sent out early this year, so we're hoping the taxes start coming in soon," Mrs. Auchter said, adding council borrowed some money from the emergency fund to make payroll in March. Borough property taxes can be paid at a discount through April 30.
Council President Pete Longiotti said department heads are holding expenses to "a bare minimum."
"Nothing is being bought that is not absolutely necessary," Mrs. Auchter said.
Mrs. Auchter, who sits on the streets committee, said UPMC Horizon has said it will pay to put up 25 mph speed limit signs in the hospital zones. Council previously approved the signs and was supposed to pay for them.
"UPMC has agreed to pay for the signs," Mrs. Auchter said, "because the borough can't afford to."
The borough faces a debt of $1.5 million, a hole created by misspent bond money and financial mismanagement. Greenville applied for distressed status in February 2002.