Franklin council approves payments
FRANKLIN — The Franklin Borough Council on Tuesday, March 10, approved a $12,000 payment to the former borough administrator and $8,700 for police upgrades but tabled discussion on a vehicle for the fire department.
The council began the budget discussion at on March 10 meeting in which a few budget items were addressed.
Among financial topics discussed were; $8,700 for police upgrades, payment to former Borough Administrator James Kilduff for unused sick and vacation days and funds to be used to purchase a new Fire Department vehicle. Both the police upgrades and payment to the former administrator were approved, however, an increase in the amount for the Fire Department vehicle was tabled for the next scheduled council meeting on March 24.
The police department was given $8,700 for equipment upgrades. The department is in need of updated security at the station and adjustments to its radio speaker system.
“I’m very leery of spending this money,” said Councilman Joe Limon said, “But, as stated by the borough administrator, it is much needed, which is why I am voting yes.”
The council also voted in favor of paying Kilduff a total sum of just more than $12,000 for unused personal time.
Only one member of the council, Robert Dabinett, voted against it.
Initially, the council was to vote on a $4,000 down payment for a new Fire Department vehicle. The department has a 20-year-old vehicle that is no longer in a good condition. They were asking for a down payment that would leave the department with the monthly payment, but, the department decided to ask for $13,000, the full price of the vehicle. With an increase in the amount being requested, the borough’s chief financial officer must first review the budget to ensure the funds are available before an official vote can take place.
“I don’t have a problem with you having a new vehicle,” said Paul Crowley said, “(But) the CFO is not here and it’s not on the agenda.”
The Council decided to table the vote until their next scheduled.