CURWENSVILLE – In a time when it seems like everything is getting more expensive, the Curwensville Borough Council is looking to trim some fat off its spending.
At Monday’s meeting, the council voted to discontinue cell phone service for Mayor John Adams.
The council discussed the situation with the phones, noting that all other employees who had phones provided by the borough have turned them in and have opted to use their personal cell phones.
At previous meetings, Adams said he wishes to keep the phone, because he receives a high volume of calls from residents.
Secretary Theresa Bracken said a landline had been installed in the mayor’s office at a cost of $83, with a multi-channel phone. However, Bracken said Adams disconnected the phone, saying he didn’t want it.
The council then voted to discontinue service. Adams and council member Tom Carfley were not present at the meeting.
The council then denied a request by Animal Control Officer Tom Shaffer for mileage pay. Shaffer is presently paid a stipend of $150 per month.
The council also opted to have Shaffer handle calls about pets only. Shaffer will no longer handle calls about wildlife, such as groundhogs, skunks and opossums for the borough.
However, Shaffer can respond to these calls on his own time, if he chooses.
Also, at the meeting, council member Robbie Moore discussed his plans for a fundraising festival in September. The council has been trying to raise money for specialized playground equipment for handicapped children.
The council has received donations and is working on grants, but there is still much more needed to make the project a reality. Moore said he is seeking craft and food vendors.
He said he will rent space for around $20, which will all go toward the purchase of the playground equipment. Moore said anyone wanting to set up a booth can call him at 814-761-4011.