Patton, Pennsylvania Development News
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7/20/26 Bellefonte Borough Council - Work Session & Regular Meeting
Published: Jul 20, 2026
Belfont Considers Zoning Updates, Official Map, and Wayfinding Signage in CIP
The Belfont Borough Council discussed proposed capital improvement program (CIP) items for the Office of Community Affairs (OCA), including software and programming updates for zoning and planning. A zoning ordinance amendment is proposed to create a Recreation, Parks, and Open Space (RPOS) plan, initiated during the SALDO (Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance) review. The creation of an official map was also discussed, which would aid in future land acquisition and resource management. Implementation of wayfinding signage, designed in 2020 with grant funding, was re-examined. Gina Thompson, OCA coordinator, noted that the DCED offers grants up to $50,000 for wayfinding, requiring a local match. The signage project includes welcome signs at entry points and brown signs designating the historic district. Discussions also touched upon the need for GIS expertise for the official map and potential conflicts with existing short-term rental restrictions and increased rental properties over time due to ADUs. The borough's current zoning ordinance has been amended piecemeal and a comprehensive review is proposed for 2029.
Belfont Borough Receives Unmodified Audit Opinion for 2025 Financials
During the Belfont Borough Council meeting, a motion and second were made and approved to accept the 2025 Belfont Borough Audit Report as presented by the independent auditors, Young Oaks, Brown Company. Auditor Chris Shyrock reported that the borough received an unmodified ('clean') opinion on its financial statements, the best possible outcome. The statement of net position showed a total net position of almost $41 million (governmental activities: $15.9M, business-type activities: $25M). The statement of activities indicated a positive change in net position for the year of $1.1 million ($800,000 governmental, $300,000 business-type). The general fund balance was almost $3 million, with $2.9 million unassigned. The general fund had a positive change in fund balance of $158,000 for 2025, despite budgeting to use $228,000 of reserves. Business-type activities also showed positive changes: water ($211,000), sanitation (-$13,000), and refuse collection ($119,000). The report included disclosures on pension plans, which are performing well. Questions were addressed regarding fund classifications (non-spendable, restricted, committed, assigned, unassigned), the decrease in taxes despite a millage increase (attributed to other tax types and timing), and the police pension policy.
Borough Explores Grant Funding for Wayfinding Signage Project
During the review of the Office of Community Affairs' capital improvement program proposal, it was noted that grant funding is available from DCED (Department of Community and Economic Development) for wayfinding signage implementation. Gina Thompson, coordinator for OCA, HARB, and planning, highlighted that Phase 1 of a wayfinding signage program was completed in 2020, with all planning and design work done. The implementation phase stalled due to leadership changes and shifting priorities. The availability of a DCED grant, potentially covering up to $50,000, was discussed as a means to revive and complete the project, with a local match required. The signage project aims to improve navigation within the borough, including entry points and key markers, and to rebrand the town from 'Victorian Belfont' to 'Historic Belfont.' Potential grant funding was also mentioned in relation to reducing costs for other capital items.
Belfont Authority Faces Financial Imbalances, Pursues Leak Detection, and Progresses on Big Spring Project
During the Belfont Borough Council meeting, discussions surrounding the Belfont Borough Authority's finances revealed a significant loss of $297,000 in the first third of the year, which Council Member Barbara Kelly questioned. The loss was attributed partly to delays in receivables from bulk water customers like Niagara Bottling and potentially issues with utility billing data entry. Joe Falcone explained that these imbalances are due to the quarterly billing cycle and delays in payment from some customers. The Authority is working on improving periodic financial reporting to avoid misleading gaps that might imply deficits or surpluses. The upcoming ERP system is expected to help make financial reporting more coherent. Further discussions focused on the Big Spring enhancements and cover project, with the contract for the cover awarded and landscaping adjustments being made. The project has until the end of 2027 to spend grant funding, with any remaining funds potentially directed to refurbishing the Corning water tank. The cost of the floating cover is $235,000, exceeding initial estimates. Leak detection services were approved for both water and wastewater systems due to significant water loss (estimated at 50% in some areas) and potential infiltration into the wastewater treatment plant.
Belfont Police Department Outlines Capital Needs for Vehicles, Technology, and Station Upgrades
During the Belfont Borough Council work session, the capital improvement program (CIP) for the police department was reviewed. Key requests from Chief Whitmer included funding for vehicles and technology (computers, CAD systems) to ensure officers can perform their duties effectively. He also requested funds for replacing carpet in the station, estimated to be 20 years old. The plan includes a rotation for vehicle replacement to manage maintenance costs and a five-year replacement cycle for bulletproof vests, with efforts to secure grant funding to offset costs. A used detective vehicle is planned for purchase in 2028. The CIP also outlines technology needs, including computer servers with estimated replacement timelines due to end-of-support issues. The police department is seeking to maintain operational efficiency and manage costs through strategic equipment replacement and potential grant funding.
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The Patton News archive
7/22/26 State College Borough Planning Department/Neighborhood Forum
7/21/26 College Township Planning Commission
7/21/26 Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors
Board of Commissioners- Tuesday, July 21, 2026 10:00 A.M.
7/20/26 Harris Township Planning Commission
7/20/26 State College Borough Council - Regular Meeting & Work Session
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