DUBOIS – The DuBois/Sandy Consolidation Joint Board on Wednesday voted 7-3 to form a financial subcommittee.
The purpose of the subcommittee will be to begin formation of the new consolidated City of DuBois’ budget, utility rates and taxation.
According to DuBois/Sandy Manager Shawn Arbaugh, taxation—by law—must be determined by February 2025, which also requires formation of a budget.
The proposed committee membership was City Engineer Chris Nasuti, Arbaugh, Council Member Elliot Gelfand, Supervisor Barry Abbott and area resident Ed Andrulonis.
The board eventually accepted these five members, and will accept letters of interest for two more citizen seats.
There was some debate as to whether these should be split between the City of DuBois and Sandy Township.
“We need to get started sooner than later,” commented City Mayor Pat Reasinger, adding that this will be “a huge, mammoth, task.”
This led to pushback by Supervisors Sam Mollica and Bill Beers.
Both indicated they weren’t even aware of the details surrounding the board’s vote until they got their packets.
Mollica and Beers then sought to table action on the subcommittee until receipt of letters to fill the remaining two board seats. But their attempt failed with a tied vote.
There was also questions concerning transparency.
Beers indicated he knew nothing until he got his packet, but said somehow Abbott was chosen as the township’s representative when two-fifths of the board of supervisors weren’t involved in drafting the subcommittee.
Arbaugh offered an explanation for Abbott’s selection, stating how he had a “persistent interest” in service on the subcommittee. He’s also retired and this will require a lot of time, Arbaugh said.