Lock Haven council gives first readings to 2024 budget and millage; airport and water shortfalls flagged

Lock Haven — The City Council on Nov. 27 held a public hearing on the proposed 2024 budget and moved both the budget ordinance and a millage-rate ordinance forward on first reading.

During the hearing, a city official noted Lock Haven’s median household income is roughly half the Pennsylvania state median and stressed the tight margins in the general fund. The official cited Coberman Park as an example of grant leverage, saying the park will receive roughly $1,700,000 in improvements with a city contribution of $102,000.

The police chief outlined department accomplishments and 2024 goals, including increased foot patrols at community events and a planned staffing change: "as of January 7, we'll be transferring to that 12-hour shift," the chief said, a schedule the chief and the Police Officers Association agreed to in a memorandum of understanding. The chief also reported a $572,000 grant award for radio upgrades and said staff will pursue additional equipment funding.

City staff presented fund-by-fund summaries that raised immediate financial questions. The water fund, staff said, faces a projected cash shortfall of approximately $479,000 while the city awaits a Public Utility Commission tariff change and potential PENNVEST reimbursement tied to emergency well work. "If you only put those things in the budget and take everything else out ... there's only a hundred and $50,000 left," a city speaker said when describing general-fund constraints.

Airport staff reported total rents and fees budgeted at $156,912 but said the airport fund is projected to overspend by about $14,000 after debt service and operating costs; staff warned the negative balance could be larger once additional recurring costs are included. The council and pilots discussed options to boost airport revenue, including installing a self-serve fuel system expected to allow 24/7 fueling and draw more transient traffic. The airport manager said multiple projects have been delayed for lack of engineering support but that door replacements and self-serve fuel remain priorities.

During public comment, a resident challenged some historical loss figures cited in the budget narrative and urged the council to correct accounting that mixes depreciation (a non-cash expense) with cash operating losses. City staff acknowledged the distinction and invited further committee review.

Votes at a glance:
- Ordinance 2023-12 (adopting the preliminary 2024 budget, first reading): Motion carried on roll call; all listed members voted yes (Council members Beyerly, Conklin, Stevenson, Brinker, Morris and Mayor Long). No final adoption occurred — this was a first reading to gather public input.
- Ordinance 2023-13 (setting 2024 millage rates): Council advanced the millage-rate ordinance on first reading (proposed 28 mills for general purpose and 6.1 mills for general-purpose improvements). Roll call recorded a single No vote from Council member Brinker; all other members present voted Yes.

What’s next: Council took first readings on the two ordinances and solicited public input; further adjustments can be made before a final vote. Staff said it will proceed with the Public Utility Commission tariff filing and continue pursuing grants (including FAA/BOA funding options and the self-serve-fuel grant portion) to reduce the strain on city funds.

(Reporting based strictly on statements and figures made during the Nov. 27 council hearing; some figures were described by speakers as preliminary or subject to change.)