BELLEFONTE — A proposed $2 million fire truck, continued work on the Talleyrand Park stage and early discussions surrounding the borough’s 2027 budget highlighted a lengthy Bellefonte Borough Council meeting Monday.
Council held off on purchasing a new Pierce Enforcer 100-foot aerial ladder truck for the Undine Fire Company, and instead unanimously referred the proposal to the administration and finance committee for further review.
The truck would cost $2,074,124 and replace an apparatus that is about 25 years old. Borough Manager David Pribulka said the new truck would take approximately 24 months to arrive.
A key question is how much Spring and Benner townships will contribute toward the purchase. Fire costs are shared proportionally based on assessed property values.
Councilman Jon Eaton urged borough officials to begin those conversations before council makes a decision.
“If the proposed budget is possible, that makes the decision a whole lot different than if we don’t have a contribution from the surrounding townships,” Eaton said.
The issue carries potential tax implications. Officials said the fire equipment millage increase could be around 0.3 mills with participation from the other municipalities but could exceed 1 mill without it.
Council faces some time pressure. The manufacturer has indicated prices will increase approximately 1% after Nov. 5.
Talleyrand Park
Earlier Monday, council received an update on construction of the new stage at Talleyrand Park. The project has raised approximately $1.58 million, including a $1 million state grant, with the build itself estimated at about $1.23 million.
Organizers plan to continue fundraising, with another $400,000 targeted for equipment, programming and long-term financial support. Approximately $185,000 is expected to be set aside for future stage maintenance, while $100,000 is being reserved as the beginning of a fund for permanent restrooms.
2027 Budget
Council also continued reviewing portions of the proposed 2027 budget, including fire and parks spending.
Parks discussions included concerns about whether the borough is receiving enough revenue from its facilities, particularly the baseball field at Governor’s Park. Council President Doug Johnson and other members suggested further discussions with the Bellefonte Area School District over its use and financial contribution toward maintaining the field.
Pribulka said the borough could also better market its baseball facilities for tournaments and other uses to generate additional revenue.
During its regular meeting, council approved an agreement with InvoiceCloud to expand online payment options for borough and borough authority customers, including credit card and ACH payments.
Council also discussed having C-NET record and broadcast Bellefonte Borough Authority meetings to increase public access to authority business.
Council is scheduled to continue its 2027 budget discussions at its next work session.
