Franklin amends capital budget

FRANKLIN — The Borough council passed a resolution on Tuesday, June 9, to amend the capital budget for improvement throughout the borough, and introduced a bond ordinance appropriating $379,300, of which $227,300 in bonds to be issued.

A public hearing scheduled on Tuesday, June 23.

The money is slated for various projects and improvements around the borough. One outstanding item to be addressed is a new vehicle for the fire chief. The borough is not planning to bond for a new vehicle, however, there was a lot of discussion regarding the necessary purchase.

One councilm member pointed out the vehicle was 15 years old and is inoperable right now.

Borough Administrator Alison Litell McHose assured that council and members of the public that this purchase could be negotiated.

“It’s not off the table, we just aren’t going to bond for it," she said.

McHose also pointed out that the current addendum to the budget and potential bonding still represent a small amount of debt to the borough. According to her figures, the debt ratio is still under 1 percent.

The public hearing and second reading of the bond ordinance is scheduled for the next regular meeting on June 23rd.