Monessen takes another step to solve its financial problems
MONESSEN – Monessen Council took another step Monday to avoid being declared a financially distressed municipality under the state’s Act 47.
Council agreed to hire Turnkey Taxes of Pittsburgh, a company that uses software to identify and collect delinquent taxes and other fees the Westmoreland County city might not be aware of, following a review of the contract by Monessen’s solicitor.
The move came a month after council hired Grass Root Solutions as a consultant in the state’s early intervention program overseen by the state Department of Economic and Community Development designed for local governments with financial problems.
The city has been struggling with declining revenues as its population continues to shrink following the loss of a Wheeling-Pittsburgh steel mill in the 1980s, and it’s experiencing a severe blight problem. The city also has $13.5 million in debts that must be paid over the next few decades, Mayor Lou Mavrakis said.
Lucille D’Alfonso, chairman of the city’s accounts and finance department, said Monday the finances appear to be stabilizing as the city will end March with $103,605 in its general fund. Payroll has been met and utility bills were paid without late fees, she said.
“We’re starting to get a little bit of a cushion with our finances,” D’Alfonso said.
She said the city would not pay Turnkey for its services. Instead, the company would take a percentage of what it collects in delinquent money. She also said the company has proven successful while working with other municipalities.
Meanwhile, councilman Ronald Chiaravalle said the city has been experiencing recent emergencies over a sinkhole forming on a street near City Hall and manholes and storm drains that are collapsing elsewhere in the municipality.