Gettysburg Borough Council’s annual practice of examining the next year’s budget line by line has ended. The elected leaders now face three options–-cut $311,000 in expenses, fund the deficit from general fund reserves, or raise taxes and take some money from the reserve account.
The $311,000 deficit would be more than double if the borough did not have $378,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to help plug the hole. When council crafts its 2027 budget next year, that money will not be available.
During Monday’s budget workshop, the council focused mostly on the police department budget requests, which Council President Matthew Moon noted were significantly smaller than those of recent years. Officer-in-Charge Christopher Evans and Administrative Consultant David Steffan did not ask for additional staffing or large capital expenditures.
Council supported the department’s request to spend $4,114 on software packages they believe will improve operations and hold officers accountable for their actions.
The Vector Solutions HR Tracking Software, which costs $1,560, will track officers’ behaviors and prompt leadership to take action when necessary.
“It is a proactive way of measuring conduct that could be litigated,” Steffan said.
Verizon Fleet Management, for $1,554, will track police vehicles’ location and speed. A law enforcement recruitment screening software, a $1,000 expense, will help leadership better screen candidates who apply for a position on the force.
Steffan touted all three programs as steps towards modern policing.
Steffan said the borough should, in the future, explore upgrades to the police department headquarters.
“Your facility, as it exists, would not pass accreditation standards,” he said.
Borough Parking Manager Becka Fissel’s $36,000 request for new pay kiosks was nixed by the council. Fissel said the one kiosk in the Racehorse Alley Parking Garage goes down frequently and no longer accepts bills. Fissel also hoped to install kiosks on the street. Pay kiosks were launched a few years ago as part of a pilot program but later removed due to public backlash. Fissel noted that traditional meters are becoming outdated technology, and replacing or upgrading meters is a costly endeavor.
The council did agree to add internet service to the parking garage for $1,324. Members noted they prefer to see if switching from cellular service reduces kiosk issues before buying a new unit.
Council will reconvene at 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 3 for what Moon suspected will be the last of the budget workshop series.
