By Tribune-Review

Published: Saturday, February 16, 2013, 9:00 p.m.
Updated: Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Regarding the Dec. 5 article about Brackenridge water rates and taxes: Councilman William Beale seems to blame the cost of police protection as to why the borough has found itself in a deficit position. The deficit was not depicted in its entirety:

• While the borough did hire a new, full-time officer, Beale neglected to say we were exceeding our overtime and part-time police budgets before this hire. The cost for a new officer's salary is less than our budget overage.

• The almost $25,000 in unfunded police pension costs are being made up through officer and borough contributions.

• The $10,000 increase in workers' compensation should not be a borough expenditure. ATI pays the borough for additional police traffic detail. If any cost is incurred by the taxpayers, the blame falls to poor management of these fees.

• Solicitor Craig Alexander's fee is higher than other solicitors. In his short tenure, he has worked diligently for his salary. He saved us $300,000 by directing us toward debt refinancing, is available to council 24/7 and has kept the best interest of Brackenridge as his focus. Craig is the best solicitor we've ever had and well worth his salary.

Brackenridge Council is full of dedicated people, and each takes the position seriously. Continue doing your job, Mr. Beale, but please remember that half-facts and misleading information do not promote the borough's best interest.

Tom Kish

Brackenridge

The writer is mayor of Brackenridge.

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