# Minutes

- Summary: Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes Date: December 19, 2022 Time: 6:30 PM – 6:51 PM Location: Council Room, Ebensburg Municipal Building Attendance Present: Doug Tusing (President), Cecilia…
- Source: Ebensburg Borough
- Published: 2022-12-19
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:42:10.366Z
- Source URL: https://ebensburgpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Council-Minutes-December-2022.pdf
- Content URL: https://ebensburg.site/document/minutes-12-19-2022/
- Content note: This portable copy is not the official record and may include an automated convenience summary. Verify important details in the original document.

Ebensburg Borough Council Meeting Minutes Date: December 19, 2022 Time: 6:30 PM – 6:51 PM Location: Council Room, Ebensburg Municipal Building Attendance Present: Doug Tusing (President), Cecilia Houser (Vice President), Robert Miller, Mike Owatt, Jeff Ball, Dave Kuhar. Absent: Theresa Jacoby. Others Present: Kelly Cook (Borough Manager), Blair Pawlowski (Solicitor), Randy Datsko (Mayor), Danea Koss, Dirk Johnson, Jody Eberhart, Breanna Berkebile, and Katie Smolen. Key Decisions & Reports Budget Approval The Council approved the tentative 2023 Annual Budget. The budget is balanced with a total operating fund of $6,673,705 in both revenues and expenditures. Tax Increase: To balance the budget, the Council approved an increase in real estate taxes equivalent to 3. 75 mills. This is the first tax increase enacted by the Borough in 13 years. Fund Breakdown: General Fund: $2,320,170 (Includes hiring an additional full-time police officer). Water Fund: $2,137,795. Wastewater Fund: $1,987,240. Stormwater Fund: $228,500. Ordinance #665 (Tax Rates) The Council granted final approval to Ordinance #665, establishing the following tax rates for 2023: General Purposes: 36. 75 mills for land valuation; 11. 75 mills for improvements. Stormwater Management: 2. 5 mills for land valuation. Overall Average Tax Rate: 16. 75 mills. 2023 Fee Resolution Resolution #2022-17 was adopted to establish fees for various services in 2023. Pavilion fees were increased based on Recreation Board recommendations. Fees for meters and laborers were adjusted to reflect current costs. Equipment rates will follow the current FEMA Schedule of Equipment Rates. Appointments to Boards and Commissions The Council unanimously approved the following appointments: Gerald McMullen: Reappointed to Ebensburg Municipal Authority (5-year term, expires 12/2027). Bruce Hultman: Reappointed to Ebensburg Planning Commission (4-year term, expires 12/2026). Carol Rummel: Reappointed to Zoning Hearing Board (3-year term, expires 12/2025). Jamie Oravec: Reappointed to Ebensburg Recreation Board (5-year term, expires 12/2027). Tim Myers: Reappointed as alternate to Ebensburg Civil Service Commission (expires 12/2023). Charlie Moyer: Reappointed as Chairman of Ebensburg Vacancy Board (expires 12/2023). John Hawksworth & Chief Mike Sheehan: Appointed to Central Cambria Emergency Management Council (1-year terms, expires 12/2023). Borough Manager: Appointed as delegate to Cambria/Somerset Council of Governments, Cambria County Tax Collection Committee, and Laurel Municipal Inspection Agency. CCSD Business Manager: Appointed as alternate to Cambria County Tax Collection Committee. Danea Koss: Appointed as alternate to Laurel Municipal Inspection Agency. Department & Committee Reports Water/Wastewater: Inframark submitted written reports on operations, projects, and activities for both plants. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Datsko reported that Police Chief Wyland was unable to attend but submitted a written report. Council President: Mr. Tusing warned residents of below-freezing temperatures and advised winterizing outdoor faucets and hose bibs. Community Development: Ms. Koss reported on the wrap-up of "Small Business Saturday" and "Dickens of a Christmas. " She announced that free metered parking in downtown Ebensburg began on the day of the meeting and continues through January 1st. Recreation Department: Mr. Johnson reported that Bingo will be held at the YPCC on December 30th. Public Comments Mr. William Link (N. Spruce Street): Requested more publicity for regular meetings that do not occur on the fourth Monday of the month. Mr. Mike Murphy (N. Spruce Street): Asked about the status of an ongoing sewer issue on South Marion Street.