Long-time Akron councilman retires

By: MILAN VRACARICH Review Correspondent, Staff Writer

A 16-year mainstay on Akron Borough Council has now departed.

Ron Boltz oversaw his final council meeting on Dec. 12. Before the meeting began, the other council members presented him with a plaque commemorating his years of service. President Thomas Murray thanked Boltz for his 16 years on behalf of the council and the citizens of Akron.

"It’s been a treat," said Boltz. "I don’t know if anybody will ever read any of this but I hope they take the opportunity to serve because it’s been a great group of people and it’s been 99 percent fun."

Boltz mentioned that the father of finance committee chairperson Terry Reber was the reason he joined the council. Reber was absent from the meeting due to an illness.

"He told me it was my responsibility, period," said Boltz. "And I better get on here and I better serve… and all these years I’ve been scared to give it up. I’m sorry he wasn’t here to see the end too."

In a fitting fashion for his last meeting, Boltz’s last action as a member of the council was a motion to adjourn the meeting.

The 2012 budget was adopted at the December meeting. The New Year comes with two rate increases for the citizens of Akron. The tax millage increased from the current rate of 2.0 mills to the new rate of 2.5 mills. The rate was approved for the 2012 calendar year and all subsequent years until it is amended. The last millage increase for Akron borough was six years ago.

Akron will also be operating under a new water rate for 2012. The 75 cent increase will take effect in the second quarter of 2012. Residents will be billed at the current rate of $5.20 for the first quarter; the final three quarters will be at the new, increased rate of $5.95. There will be a minimum charge of $17.85 per quarter.

The approximately $250 million budget is balanced.

On Nov, 23, borough manager Dan Guers met with FEMA and PEMA representatives in Manheim. The parties discussed the damages to Akron caused by tropical storm Lee in September.

"It looks like all of our problems will be reimbursed," said Guers. "The total loss is approximately $54,000, so hopefully that will be mostly recovered."

Akron police cited a man for driving in an Akron park in December. Damages were estimated to be around $700. More AKRON, page A7