Letter to the editor: Sewickley council president responds to budget story
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As president of Sewickley Borough Council, I am writing about the article published online Nov. 10 (and in print Nov. 17) “Sewickley officials pass preliminary budget without public input.”
Contrary to the eye-popping headline, Sewickley’s budget was developed, discussed and passed just as it always is — in a series of meetings advertised and open to the public. Discussions began in open public meetings in October. On Nov. 5, council held a Saturday session and spent four hours going over each item in a properly advertised open public meeting. We served pastries and coffee.
On Nov. 8, council gave approval to put the proposed budget out for public inspection for a period of 30 days beginning Monday, Nov. 14. Contrary to the assertion made in the article, the Commonwealth mandates only a 10 day review period (Title 8, Chapter 13), so Sewickley is not only meeting state requirements, it is exceeding them.
Voting to adopt the budget will take place in December as it normally does each and every year. In the meantime, the proposed budget is available on the borough’s website and in the borough office. In fact, budgets and audits going back to 2008 are also posted.
It’s sad to see the Sewickley Herald stir up controversy where there is none. The Herald has done an excellent job of covering council and our community. I’m hopeful this is a simple misunderstanding.
Here’s the real story— council is holding the line on taxes, tackling big projects, and rebuilding staff to better address the needs of residents.
The borough is conducting its business for the benefit of this community with full transparency and welcoming public input.
Cynthia Mullins
President, Sewickley Borough Council