Much admired and respected Bally Police Chief Joseph Viola tendered his resignation to Bally Borough Council on Tuesday night. Chief Viola's resignation is effective April 10th.  He retires after serving the citizens of Bally for 23 years.

            Chief Viola was a part-time officer from 1998 until 2008 when he was appointed Chief of Police for the borough. 

Mayor Dave Schott thanked Chief Viola for his service. "We are sorry to see him go.  The borough wishes him well in his future endeavors." 

            The borough council approved Jeffrey Ellick as a full-time police officer/sergeant.  Additionally, Ellick was appointed Officer in Charge of the Bally Police Department. 

            In other police matters, Mayor Schott informed the borough council that   Commonwealth of Pennsylvania House Bill 606 might, if passed, enable local police to use radar.  Currently, only state police are able to use radar to catch speeders.

            In personnel issues, Bally Borough Council ratified Tammy Wood as Borough Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.  Travis Anderson was employed as a full-time public works and maintenance employee. 

            Borough Manager Wendy Mutter announced that through the federal government COVID-19 relief program, Bally can expect $123,000.  Half the money will be distributed in 2021 and the rest will be distributed in 2022.  The money must be used for the benefit of the municipality.  She explained at this time that the guidelines are unclear how the money must be spent but noted, "We must use it or lose it."  Manager Mutter urged council members to consider how the money should be utilized in the borough.

            On May 15th, from 11 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. the borough will host a tractor show.  Thus far, 47 tractors are registered for the show.  There will be a basket raffle. Food and drink will be offered. In addition, Noah's Ark Rescue will be at the show for participants seeking a new pet. 

            The tractor show is sponsored by Bally Area Recreational Development Society (BARDS) and "Just Farm Kids."

            On May 22nd, from 7 a.m. until noon, there will be a community yard and bake sale at the borough pool located at 411 Chestnut St.  For information on either event call 215-593-8338.

            Because COVID-19 restrictions have eased somewhat, Bally borough pool will be open this year. Pool membership will cost $260 for a family of four who are residents.  Each additional family membership is $30.  A non-resident membership is $290.  Single pool memberships are $90 for residents and $120 for non-residents.  There is a 5% discount if a membership is purchased prior to May 1st.

            Eastern Berks Fire Company sent letters to residents announcing its annual fundraising drive.  The fire company provides responds to about 400 calls per year.  The Eastern Berks Fire Company chicken bar-b-que will be held on April 24th at the Bechtelsville Fire Station.

            The borough council awarded its sewer rehabilitation project #3 to Mobile Dredging and Video Pipe in the amount of $292,781.32.

            The borough intends to resume water shut off notices to property owners who are in arrears for their water bills.  It is expected notices will sent around the middle of April. 

             Bally Borough Council extended its State of Emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic for another month.