Oakmont officials waive amusement device fees for businesses

Oakmont officials are giving a break to some borough businesses hit hard by the covid-19 pandemic.

Council unanimously adopted a resolution Aug. 17 waiving its mechanical amusement device tax for the year.

Police Chief Michael Ford, whose department collects the fee, made the recommendation.

He said the tax is levied for jukeboxes, pool tables, dart boards, video poker machines and similar devices used for entertainment that make money for businesses. It impacts about 13 businesses, mostly bars and restaurants.

The fee usually is collected by the end of March. However, fees and real estate tax collection were postponed until later in the year because of the pandemic. Fees vary depending on device.

Nancy Ride, councilwoman and finance committee chair, said the borough budgeted $8,000 in amusement device fees.

“It’s a relatively modest amount of revenue for the borough, but it could be burdensome for the small businesses.” Ride said.

Other council actions

In other matters, council ratified awarding a $17,000 sinkhole repair project to Protocol LLC for work at College Avenue and Allegheny River Boulevard.

Council also ratified awarding an estimated $13,000 sinkhole repair project to Protocol for work at Virginia Avenue and Ninth Street.

Council President Patricia Friday announced the borough plans to update its comprehensive plan.

The process involves the planning commission and a review of the past 10 years.

The borough’s comprehensive plan was adopted in 2011.

Friday recommended adding space to the borough newsletter starting next year for regular updates on the plan’s development.