Lansford Borough Council agreed to start looking at the budget as they are halfway through the year.

Councilwoman Jennifer Staines on Wednesday requested the review to see where they are as far as budgeted and actual spending for the year.

She was concerned that overtime for part-time police officers may be higher than anticipated.

Council plans to discuss the budget at the next workshop or committee meeting.

Other

In other business, council:

• Approved Patrick Walsh as deputy tax collector. There were concerns raised with Walsh being a candidate for council, and he said if there was a conflict if elected, he would resign.

• Approved Andress Appraisals to appraise the former borough garage on Spring Street. They are seeking an appraisal for the property on the south side of Spring Street, and an appraisal of the property with the garage. The cost is $2,000.

• Approved having the solicitor prepare and execute a lien for the property at 614 E. Patterson St in the amount of $39,540.

• Ratified a resolution to implement the Strategic Management and Planning Program, which council approved at a special meeting on the program in May.

Council President Bruce Markovich explained that council can’t go off the agenda to approve a contract or expend money. He estimated the cost between $10,000 and $20,000.

• Approved advertising for quotes from contractors to perform clean up services on blighted properties. Council split and tied on this action with council members Joseph Butrie, Gwyneth Collevechio and Staines voting no. Mayor Hugh Vrablic cast the deciding vote to move ahead with quotes.

• Approved an application for a rental agreement with HERC Rentals for a sewer vacuum on an as-needed basis at $745 a day, $2,195 a week and $6,500 a month. Butrie was opposed. This was previously tabled by council.

Council will also be checking with neighboring Tamaqua Borough for use of its sewer vacuum in emergency situations.

• Approved participating in Sourcewell Cooperative Municipal Government Purchasing Program at no cost to the borough. This is similar to the COSTARS program, but on the federal level, Markovich said.

• Approved purchasing 60 cubic yards of certified playground mulch at a cost of $2,444.

• Approved 10 hours of community service for Samantha Valentine.