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WEST PITTSTON — Borough council members approved borrowing $1 million this week for paving roads and upgrades at the public works garage.
West Pittston will borrow the money from Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co.
Some residents voiced concerns about whether borrowing so much would lead to a tax increase at some point in the near future.
Council members did their best to ease those concerns, saying they won’t know of any tax hike until the 2018 budget becomes clear in December.
“We don’t anticipate any (tax) increase,” said Councilman Barry Hosier. “But you never know. With the budget that we work with, we’re into 2017. Until we get the next budget, we can’t do anything.”
Councilman Charlie Alfano reminded the public the money being borrowed is being put to good use.
“All of these projects are helping to support property values in the whole town,” he said. “Nobody is going to want to move into a town with roads that are 30 years past due.”
In other business, council members:
• Announced a Movie in the Park event to take place Saturday, Aug. 19, at Morris Park on Exeter Avenue. The event is open to the public. The film “Beauty and the Beast” will be screened.
• Tabled several bids for further discussion in regards to work on the Baltimore Avenue Park Project.