Renovo Braces for Change: Longtime Leaders Depart, New Council Takes Over

Record Editor4 weeks agoLast Updated: November 13, 2025

2 minutes read

Council member Rhonda Balchun asked that Renovo Council hold a moment of silence for former council member and Council President George Simon, following his recent passing. Simon not only served on council for years but acted as a guiding hand whenever called upon by his beloved hometown, right up to the time of his death. Current council president and George’s daughter Ann thanked the council members for the gesture.

By Kevin Rauch
RENOVO – Following the decision of three very influential Renovo Council members deciding not to seek re-election as well as Justin Lynn edging Mayor Gene Bruno, Renovo’s leadership is about to face the biggest change that it has seen in decades.

Council President Ann Tarantella, Vice-President Pattie Rauch and key budget architect Rhonda Balchun all opted not to return to their positions after each having served over a decade, Balchun leaves after 24 years of service.

All have left their permanent marks on the town, which included at one time having to pay the bills with a credit card early in their terms, before becoming financially solvent since and for years.

Following this month’s elections, Corey Aungst, Dave Walker and Tracy Bruno will begin serving in January, replacing the three mainstays. Incumbent Mike Kelley was also on the ballot and retained his seat.

As the council faces the reorganization in January, they will advertise the 2026 Tax Ordinance that will include a 1.5 mill increase, the first rate hike since 2020.

“While constructing the 2026 budget we realized that we simply had to propose our first increase since 2020, none of us are happy about it but the cost of everything has gone up and it’s something that simply needs done” Balchun explained of the increase.

Delinquent and even non-payment of some property taxes proves challenging for the small borough’s shoe-string budget. “Property owners paying their taxes timely will be key to the success of this budget” Balchun went on to say.

If all property owners pay their taxes, a one and a half mill increase gives the borough an additional estimated $32,000 a year.

President Tarantella read allowed the immediate resignation of their only full-time police officer James Knarr, which will leave the borough with part-time Chief of Police Greg Drollinger as the only borough officer. Council agreed to immediately begin advertising for a new part time officer.

Mayor Bruno again encouraged council to consider using the available grants for a known candidate that would put that person through the police academy beginning in May of 2026. From there, if successful that candidate would sign a five-year contract with the borough. It appears that option will be up for the next council to act upon if interested.

Bruno also said that he has continued his monthly phone calls to PPL, asking that they get the lights turned back on the 16th Street Bridge and at the Memorial in the 16th Street Park. Most streetlights along RT 120 have been out since a storm in May, and the borough has been unsuccessful getting PPL to get them on again.