Another No Tax Increase Budget Approved for Lock Haven
LOCK HAVEN – City Council on Monday unanimously passed a $13 million budget for 2021, along with an accompanying no-tax increase ordinance. The final approval at council’s final meeting of 2020 means that 2021 will be the sixth year in a row that city real estate taxes will remain unchanged.
The six year, no-tax-hike run began in 2016 after the real estate levy had gone up four years in a row, from 2012 to 2015.
The final 2020 session was marked by words of praise from Mayor Joel Long and multiple council members for the performance by City Manager Greg Wilson and staff during the COVID-19 marred year. Council member Bill Mincer said Wilson has done “an amazing job” and “we’re very, very lucky to have him as head of the city.”
Wilson took the occasion to thank city staff “operating on a shoe-string budget to begin with” and its performance during the past year. The city manager said he appreciates the city leadership team and employees, noting they “stepped up” during difficult times. With no immediate end to COVID-19 in the new year, Wilson said 2020 was not a great year financially and emotionally for so many people and noted how difficult it has been for staff members and their families.
Wilson also noted the retirement, after 30 years, for city sewer plant worker George Brown. He said Brown started the day after Christmas 30 years ago and will retire as of Dec. 25 this year. He praised Brown for his meritorious service to the city. Council member Mincer made special mention of Roberta Doyle who is leaving the Ross Library board of directors after 22 years of service.
In other action at the Monday virtual meeting, council gave its approval to the sale of the old city garage site on E. Walnut Street to VASAS, Inc. for $200,000. The McElhattan-based business has preliminary plans for a restaurant at the 2-acre site. Manager Wilson reported that the state Department of Environmental Protection has given its approval to a city proposal for the reduction of the release of water into McElhattan Creek. Wilson said the 45 percent reduction should ensure that there will be a sufficient water supply in city reservoirs through the end of February.
