Latrobe keeps taxes steady as part of $6.7M budget
Latrobe property owners won’t have to dig deeper into their pockets to pay their city tax bill next yer.
City Council has adopted a final 2022 general fund budget totaling $6.7 million while holding real estate taxes at 21.3 mills. An additional .2-mill tax, also unchanged, helps support Adams Memorial Library.
The capital budget of $908,814 includes funding for repairs to the city garage and adjacent Courtyard Plaza, payments on a police car and garbage truck and technology improvements at the municipal building, according to City Manager Michael Gray. Some of the proposed new technology is intended to provide an improved virtual connection for remotely participating in meetings.
Council approved a telecommunication device ordinance that limits conditions under which members of the panel may take part virtually in public sessions.
“The only way a person can attend by telecommunication is if there’s an illness, a need to care for someone or an emergency,” said Gray.
Several council members have expressed concern that the ability to participate virtually not be abused.
If a member would miss three meetings without an acceptable excuse, Gray said, “There can be repercussions. It depends upon what council decides, depending on what occurred. Everything will be looked at by the governing body.”
Surveillance cameras OK’d
Council agreed to purchase improved and expanded surveillance cameras for the downtown business district and the municipal building. With the help of the Latrobe Foundation, which is covering about $30,000 of the $58,455 cost, the city will upgrade existing cameras and add about 20 more.
The cameras are a valuable tool for city police. “They’re going to help pick up accidents, hit-and-runs and any crime,” Gray said.
Weather permitting, he said, the cameras should be installed within the next few months.
Manager contract extended
Council approved a three-year agreement for Gray to continue as city manager, including an annual salary of $75,000. “I’m very happy to have the opportunity,” he said.
Council also approved a 3% wage hike in the new year for non-union employees, including department heads and duty drivers for the fire department.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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