Resident raises transparency concerns as council outlines 2026 budget priorities; Pool Committee requests $106,000 for splash pad

During public participation at the Oct. 28 Beaver Borough Council work session, Ellen Kretchmar (Ward 2) urged greater transparency in council and committee budget discussions and raised a grievance about a denied Right to Know request for quarterly reports and a draft five‑year plan. Council Vice President Amy Stettler responded that committees such as Recreation are active and that the Borough does apply for park grants; Stettler added that if no formal document exists there is nothing to share and described the five‑year plan as a draft projected to change over time.

Finance Manager Andy Kennedy reviewed recent fiscal activity and accounting adjustments. Kennedy told Council roughly $100,000 in tax revenue had been received since the last meeting, noted that state pension aid helps offset pension expense, and described an accounting shift because Berkheimer does not separate licenses and taxes in its reporting. Kennedy said the Borough’s cash position is considerably better than 12 months earlier and that there may be opportunities to put additional funds toward the outstanding pool‑house loan (listed in the minutes at about $400,000) and to replenish savings that were drawn down after a hill slide.

Council members discussed budget priorities for the draft 2026 budget, with items listed for consideration including hiring a full‑time police officer to reduce overtime, streetscape and sidewalk improvements, equipment upgrades for the road department, additional payment toward the FNB loan, and road signage. Kennedy encouraged Council members to review the draft budget and reach out with questions. The minutes note that no tax increase is included in the draft 2026 budget.

Reporting for the Pool Committee, Alexander Andres said the committee continues to seek grants and large donations and requested $106,000 from the Borough toward a splash pad as an interim step toward a full pool. The minutes also record that a Trivia Night fundraiser for the Pool House Civic Center is scheduled for Nov. 15.

Borough Manager Dan Madgar reported that paving is complete, the Borough engineer is pursuing reimbursements from Columbia Gas and the Municipal Authority, a TV production company has finished filming for now but may return later in the year, and Light Up Night is scheduled for Nov. 28 with a 6 p.m. parade and fireworks at 8:30 p.m. On Right to Know activity, Madgar reported staff provided 1,734 pages of documents in response to one resident’s request and are processing 29 other types of pending record requests.

The minutes record that the Municipal Authority will recommend two members to fill vacancies in January and that the Authority is addressing mandated lead and copper line replacements with the goal of replacing lead lines on a 10‑year schedule. Council actions on the Enterprise Zone application, LSA grant application and library donation were handled later in the meeting.