Canonsburg News You Can Use

Auditors Cypher & Cypher issued its 2011 finance report to Council Monday, and it was a positive one with no major findings.

With total revenues and financing sources of $4,357,934 and expenditures of $4,352,075, the borough increased its fund balance by $5,859 to a total of $541,932. The capital projects fund also increased to $390,726.

Cypher said the largest share of borough funds was spent on the police department (39 percent), as is typical in most communities. Other major expenditures were for highways/streets (25 percent), general government (16 percent) and employee benefits (8 percent).

Representatives from the firm lauded the administration for its help in compiling its report, and indicated that general government expenditures in the borough were lower than in other communities, something else he praised officials for.

In other business, council

• Established a weight limit of 20 gross tons on Meadow Avenue
• Hired Jordan Tax Service to facilitate sewer billing for a period of one year
• Rejected a motion by Councilman Paul Sharkady to send a letter to the county opposing the reduction of council from 9 to 7 members. A hearing on the proposal is scheduled for August.
• By unanimous vote, council also approved the following companies for its $1.3 million renovation of the borough building, based on the recommendation of Hayes Design Group, which is overseeing the project: interior alterations, General Industries ($623,330); plumbing construction, Wheels Mechanical ($173,490); mechanical construction, Controlled Climate Systems ($105,500); and electrical construction, John E. Rozzo Electrical Contractors ($139,270). The bids were awarded pending final review of the solicitor. The project will focus primarily on renovating police headquarters and updating the building restrooms to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act. A generator is also being purchased for the fire department. Work is expected to begin as early as August.