MAHAFFEY – Mahaffey Borough Council reported that the borough has taken possession of new equipment.
Secretary Sally Long reported that delivery of a new Kubota backhoe/loader was recently accepted from W&W Engine, DuBois.
The township received a $49,000 grant from the US Department of Agriculture to help pay for the equipment costs. Council approved paying the remaining balance of the sale price of $63,845 from the township’s general accounts and liquid fuel funds.
In January, the council held a public hearing to receive comments on the decision to apply for USDA Rural Development Program funding. There were no objections from the only member of the audience present. At the end of the meeting, the council authorized the presentation of the funding request.
Long said among other business at the meeting, the council adopted the 2024 budget of $60,500 with no tax increase. Estimated expenses for next year total $60,069.
Council also discussed the condition of the playground equipment, bleachers, picnic tables and dugouts at the Scout Community Park, with Long reporting council rated the condition as “poor.”
Members said that unless the Mahaffey Playground Association steps up and makes the necessary repairs, the board will have to remove the members and close the park due to liability.
The Council directed Long to contact the association president and request that the association send representatives to a future meeting to discuss the situation.
