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Council hears 2024 budget presentations; CDBG award, police coverage and sewer-rate study highlighted
Summary
At a public hearing on the proposed 2024 budget, the city announced an additional CDBG-CV award of $121,190 for a skate park, heard the fire department—s equipment and radio-upgrade plans, confirmed a memorandum for 24/7 police coverage using 12-hour shifts, and discussed the sewer fund—s deficit and a placeholder recommendation for a 15% sewer-rate increase.
The Lock Haven City Council opened the public hearing on the 2024 proposed budget and heard departmental presentations and public comment.
City staff announced an amendment awarding an additional $121,190 in CDBG-CV funds to cover higher-than-expected skate-park construction costs. Fire Department Chief Tyler Wooding reviewed 2023 accomplishments and goals, saying the department purchased 46 new self-contained breathing apparatus units under a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant (totaling approximately $370,000) and that the grant saved taxpayers roughly $350,000 in equipment costs. The fire department and staff discussed a regional radio upgrade projected at approximately $4,000,000 and plans to pursue coordinated grant funding.
On public safety staffing, staff noted a memorandum of understanding provides for 24/7 police coverage with 12-hour shifts and that the same number of officers is budgeted next year. On utilities, wastewater staff said the sewer fund will still end the year with a deficiency and recommended a placeholder 15% increase in sewer charges pending a formal rate study; staff will solicit a quote for a sewer-rate study and return with formal recommendations.
The council set a final budget adoption meeting for Dec. 18 and reminded the public that the draft remains subject to change following continued review and public input.
