Events

The Heritage Library is offering free tax help on Wednesdays beginning February 3rd through April 7th 12:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. For more information please call the Library at (724) 926-8400.

Registration for the McDonald Youth Baseball/Softball League will be held on Saturday, February 13 & 20 at Heritage Library from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. For more information please contact Brian Cook (724) 926-4064.

The McDonald Area Redevelopment Assoc. (MARA) is always looking for new members. Both business owners and residents are welcome. MARA meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the McDonald Trail Station.

The Heritage Library will host a scrapbooking event on Friday, February 26th 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. For more information please call the Library at (724) 926-8400.

Next regular monthly Borough Council Meeting is March 1, 2010 7:00 p.m.

The McDonald area is fortunate to have a strong Adopt a Highway Program. This PennDot sponsored program helps to keep our area roads free of litter. If you are intersted in joining a team, please contact any of the following Team Captains. Nick Lienard, (724) 926-8079 - Gladden Heights/980 S., Chuck Slates, (724) 926-8255 - Noblestown Road W., Roger McElhaney, (724) 926-8149 - Noblestown Road E., Jerry Runtas, (724) 926-8700 or (724) 926-9718 - Valley St. to N. Branch Rd., Bob Karas, (724) 926-2861 - Laurel Hill Road, Dan Richards (724) 926-3022 - John's Ave., Boy Scout Troop #1392/Mike Kramer, (412) 221-8296 - 980 N.

News

The Property Tax in the Borough for 2010 will remain at 40.75 mills with no increase. The 40.75 millage consists of 29 mills = General Services, 5.5 mills = Debt Service, 2.0 mills = Fire Service, .75 mills = Library, 2.0 mills = Street Lighting and 1.5 mills = Recreation Maintenance. Should you have any questions regarding the payment of the Property Tax you may call the Borough Tax Collector, John Bracall at (724) 926-8284.

The closed bridges on Arabella and School Streets that have restricted street use for several years is still a matter at the top of the priority list for the Borough. McDonald Borough has secured funds through a Local Shares Grant funded by revenue from the casino in Washington County. Applying for the funds and receiving the Grant has been a very long process. At this time we are beginning the process of assessing exactly what will be done to the bridges and at what exact cost. It is our hope repairs to at least Arabella Street will begin in the Spring of 2010. Although we applied for considerable more funds then were awarded, the County agency who controls the funds and the Grant believes our dollar award will complete the project. The total repair cost far exceeded any budgetary amounts the Borough could ever have financed on its own.

Parking in the Borough on Saturdays is now free at all meters. McDonald Borough Council voted unanimously at their May 4th meeting to make the permanent change which will take effect the beginning of June 2009. Also, with regards to parking, area business owners who are interested in permit parking may contact the Borogh Police Department. The cost is $25.00 per month and there is a limit of 2 permits per business. Permits would allow merchants to park at any meter throughout town.

Residents are reminded that the Borough no longer collects the Fort Cherry School District portion of your Earned Income Tax. In previous years 1% was paid directly to the Borough of which .5% was turned over to the school district. At the direction of the Fort Cherry School District, that .5% is now collected by Keystone Municipal Collections, 118 Wendel Road, Irwin, PA 15642. Residents should have received notification and tax forms from Keystone Municipal Collections. Should you need to contact them by phone their number is (724) 978-0300. Any questions regarding the .5% that is to be paid to the Borough may contact the Tax Office at (724) 926-8711. The Tax Office is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The McDonald Police department employee, Diana Daniels, is a Certified Technician in Child Restraint Safety and residents may schedule an appointment to have their child car seats inspected, which also includes teaching parents proper installation. The inspection takes approximately 1/2 hour. To schedule an appointment, please call the Police Department (724) 926-2105 or Diana is available by e-mail, ddaniels@mcdonaldboro.com.