Canonsburg council expected to OK payment to fire department
Canonsburg council is expected to approve making a contribution to the fire department to help with staffing.
Council President Rich Russo explained that funding for the fire department was part of discussions for the 2025 budget. Council is expected to vote on distributing $162,000 to the department when it meets May 12, in addition to the regular monthly contribution of $14,000.
“It makes for a great partnership with the borough and the fire department,” Russo said. “Fire departments are struggling with volunteerism. This helps them actually pay individuals to be volunteers. It’s funding to help staff the department with firefighters, to give them a little stipend, a little incentive to help us with volunteers. They’re still volunteers, but this helps defray some of the personal expenses they have as volunteer firemen.”
Also expected to be on the agenda for the May 12 meeting is a vote on conditional use for a speakeasy (private bar) at 14 N. Jefferson Ave.
The building once housed a dentist’s office, but has been vacant for a number of years.
“It’s going to seat a maximum of 30 people, (including) employees and patrons,” Russo said. “That’s going to be a nice little addition to the town. We’re excited about it.”
A liquor license transfer for the business has already been approved.
Russo also said the borough has been approached by Verizon, as well as a subcontractor for the company, about the possibility of erecting a 300-foot cellphone tower in Canonsburg Town Park.
Discussions are in the preliminary stages.