Huntingdon Council Hears Budget Requests

HUNTINGDON – Huntingdon’s Mayor and Council reviewed budget requests for the 2025-26 fiscal year from department supervisors as the new fiscal year begins on July 1.

With both a new fire chief and police chief, each presented their respective department’s needs and goals for the future.

Recently appointed Water and Sewer Department Supervisor Jason Jennette informed the Council that the installation of new digital self-reading water meters is nearly complete, with larger commercial meters set to be installed soon. The proposed budget will also feature improvements to the sewer lagoon system, funded by grants and state revolving fund loans. Jennette requested a new backhoe for the department as well.

New Fire Chief John Fordon emphasized the urgent need for more manpower, especially during daytime hours when many volunteer firefighters are unavailable. He requested additional funding to hire part-time workers to supplement full-time firefighters at each of the three stations.

Fordon outlined both short- and long-term goals, including the need for a backup power generator for Station #3, more self-contained air packs to replace aging units, a new thermal imaging camera, a newer brush truck, and fireproof storage cabinets inside the fire stations. He also requested a new fire pumper to replace an older pumper, which have recently experienced mechanical issues. A new pumper costs between $400,000 and $525,000. The oldest units in service are from 1993 and 1999, with the latter requiring significant repairs.

Additionally, Fordon called for increased training for personnel, a remodel or rebuild of Station 3, a new radio dispatch system, a public education program, an explorer program, and the establishment of an Emergency Medical Technician/EMR program to respond to medical emergencies. He noted that occasionally, the county’s EMS units are busy on other calls and unable to respond quickly.

Fordon also requested that some of the Police Department’s older patrol cars be transferred to the fire department as they are rotated out of service.

New Police Chief Jason Oliver requested upgrades to the Police Station, including roof repairs and interior renovations. He also asked for a pickup truck for the department, in addition to a fleet of five new patrol cars that were delivered last week. Oliver proposed promoting one lieutenant to the position of captain with a $1 hourly pay increase, while the rest of the department staff would receive a proposed four-percent pay increase.

Ronnie Breeden, Supervisor of the Street Department, stated his goal to pave five streets this fiscal year. Additional streets in urgent need of paving include Northwood Drive, which is estimated to cost between $500,000 and $600,000 for the segment within the city limits. Other streets requiring major repairs include Industrial Drive and Lexington Street. Breeden also requested additional equipment, including a backhoe and a tandem truck.

Angela DeMaris, executive director of the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center, along with Dr. Krista Martin, president of the Friends of The Dixie, a non-profit support organization, outlined their goals for the venue, which include attracting big-name performers, increasing ticket pricing and sales, and hosting more meet-and-greet events with artists as value-added experiences. Next year, The Dixie plans to return to theatrical productions featuring local adult actors. The venue will soon receive a $198,000 gift from the Hal Holbrook estate. The Friends of The Dixie are proposing to take on much of the operational responsibilities of The Dixie in partnership with the Town.

City Recorder Kim Carter mentioned that the recent countywide real estate reappraisal and the corresponding certified tax rate are not yet complete. The updated certified tax rate is essential for setting the municipal tax rate.

A second budget workshop will be held at the end of May, prior to the adoption of a budget and tax rate in June or July.