IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Spring 2016 | Page 67

C IRTENT
B
Y OFWOOD
MC KE EBOROU
SP OR TGH
N EN
WS
EWS

McKeespor
Brentwood t

(No, the Borough still does not
have a “money tree”)
General Fund Expenditures

So why the need for 1.25 mil increase you may ask? Two primary
reasons, the first being the need to begin repayment on the $5.9
million Bond the Borough acquired in 2015. This money was utilized
to fund the Borough’s share of the 2014 Stadium Renovation
project as well as the Borough’s share of the 2013 Park Renovation
project. The principal and interest payment is equal to $321,000.
Remember, a 1.25 mil increase will bring in approximately $463,475
collected. The remaining $142,475 is required to assist with any
renovations associated with relocating Borough operations or
to the current location that continues to act as a money pit. The
Borough budgeted $200,000 for these expenditures and to date
have already spent over $60,000 on the current building to prevent
a potential tragedy from falling block. This now leave $140,000 for
any such renovations.
A summary of the Proposed 2016 General Fund Expenditures are
presented on the Table at the top of next column.
As you can see, the 1.25 mil increase is primarily associated
with past Capital Projects. As with all of us, each year the Borough
is faced with rising costs. The Borough’s internet costs go up.
Healthcare costs continue to rise. Office supplies. Do you know
that the cost of salt has increased nearly 150% percent in the past
few years. Equipment needs, that have been put on hold year
after year, are to the point that holding off any longer would be
irresponsible and pose safety issues with our employees who use
such equipment. I believe this Council, as with past Councils, work
diligently to ensure that all spending is prudent and the best use
of our tax dollars. They have been, and continue to be, committed
to improving the Borough’s crumbling infrastructure. Roads are
being paved every year. Sanitary as well as Stormwater Sewers are
being inspected and repaired every year. The Borough continues to
utilize technology, both free and fee based, to increase efficiencies,
which led to not replacing some employees who recently retired.
We continue to take on more responsibilities “In-House”, if we
demonstrate that we can both provide the serves cheaper than
paying a third party consultant and at the save time provide a
better service. The goal for complete transparency continues
with this Council. The Borough’s award winning web site provides
anyone access to the same, non-confidential, information each

month that the Borough Council members receive. With a click of
the mouse you can easily access the Borough Budgets, Employee
Agreements, Labor Contracts, and weekly reports in addition to the
monthly meeting agendas AND INFORMATIONAL PACKETS.
The Borough is readying itself for the next 100 years. I believe we
are on the cusp of an economic boom similar to what Lawrenceville
and East Liberty are experiencing. An influx of restaurants,
shopping, and housing/apartments. We have a great location.
Access to buses/transportation (did you know that an Uber fair
from Brentwood to the Northshore/Pittsburgh is around $13.). We
have a beautiful park, stadium and ball fields. In addition, our best
kept secret and asset (in addition to the people of the community),
is the housing stock and how affordable it is. This is what attracted
me and my wife to Brentwood nine years ago. Urban sprawl is
reducing and the next generation is looking for these amenities
as well as being closer to the Urban City Center. As I have said in
the past, if we are not willing to invest in Brentwood’s future, how
can we expect anyone else to? I believe we have demonstrated
the Borough’s commitment, and from the number of phone calls
and meetings Borough officials are having, I believe the outside
investors are starting to realize this as well.
Have a great Spring!!!
George Zboyovsky, PE
Borough Manager
Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall | Spring 2016 | icmags.com 65