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Bellefonte council tentatively approves 2026 budget after debate over mower funding and capital placeholders
Summary
Council voted unanimously to approve the tentative 2026 budget, which will be advertised for public inspection; discussion centered on use of a bulk‑water fund, whether a $49,500 boom mower should be bought now or pursued through a future 902 grant, and reductions to a road‑survey placeholder.
Bellefonte Borough Council voted unanimously to approve a tentative 2026 budget on a roll‑call vote and directed staff to advertise the document and make it available for public inspection by Dec. 5, with a public hearing and final adoption scheduled for Dec. 15, 2025.
Finance Director Lori McGowan told council that about half of bulk water sales—roughly $120,000—go into a designated fund used for grant matches, waterfront loan payments and for the Water Street property where Pelican's is located. She listed planned charges to that fund, including the 902 compost‑facility grant, a flashing beacon ($4,000 in local match), half the Zion Road traffic light cost, an ADA walking‑trail feasibility study, and donations to watershed organizations and CVICC.
A significant point of debate was whether to buy a $49,500 boom mower this year. Councilmember Doug asked whether the mower could be postponed and funded through the 902 grant cycle instead, saying he would not support the purchase in the general fund this year. McGowan and others noted the current 902 award is tied to the compost facility and may not be amendable; members suggested applying for the next 902 cycle for 2027 if the mower can wait. Council also discussed borrowing or sharing a mower from nearby municipalities as a temporary option.
On capital projects, staff proposed reducing a $25,000 placeholder for an automated road condition survey (previously Roadbotics) to about $9,500 for an annual Road AI license if council elects to pursue that tool. Other capital items noted in the budget include $50,000 for a roof at 236 West Lamb, $36,000 listed under capital expenditures for building maintenance (including stair replacement and door fixes) and an $80,837 line for moving a forklift and service truck from the streets department.
McGowan told council the refuse fund reflects a Center County Recycling and Refuse Authority tipping‑fee increase of $3 per ton, which she calculated as approximately $1.20 per household per quarter (about $4.80 a year). She also reported that the water and sewer funds are showing projected net losses and that the relevant authorities must decide whether to raise rates or use reserves for aging equipment.
Council approved the tentative budget after brief discussion and thanked staff for incorporating the work‑session adjustments. The budget will be posted online and available in the borough office for public inspection prior to the Dec. 15 final adoption vote.
