Committee to recommend how to utilize funds

            As part of its COVID relief to municipalities, the federal government will provide taxpayer funds to Bally Borough in the amount of $123,091.  The money will be split equally between 2021 and 2022.

            On Tuesday night, Bally Borough Manager Wendy Mutter informed the Bally Borough Council that the money must be allocated for borough projects by 2024.  She noted some of the recommended uses are sewer and water projects, stormwater projects, technological and security infrastructure improvements.

            The borough council will form a committee to determine how best to utilize the money.  If the money is not spent the federal government will expect it to be returned. 

            Approximately one year ago it was uncertain whether Bally Borough would be able to open its community pool because of the COVID pandemic and the expense of repairs to the pool.  A group of Bally residents formed a recreational council that has risen to the significant challenge to keep the pool open and thriving.

            Bally Area Recreational Development Society (BARDS) has several proposed events in the works over the next several months that will benefit the community pool.  Bally Borough Councilman Josh Sloan informed the borough council that BARDS hopes to hold a late night swim and movie night at the pool this summer. 

            Additionally, BARDS hopes to hold a "doggie" swim at the pool with a tentative date of September 11.  The date for the "doggie" swim as well as the late night swim and movie night are not set and are dependent on replacing lights around the pool area.  Sloan noted fundraisers for the benefit of the pool, including the yard and bake sale, generated $1,300.  The tractor show held last month raised $623 for BARDS accounts.  Sloan noted BARDS, through fundraising events for the pool, has approximately $19,000 in funds.  BARDS volunteers propose that half of that sum be kept in reserve for emergencies for the pool. 

            Another event in the planning phase for the borough's park, sometime in September after the pool has closed for the season, is a musical festival sponsored by Bally Mennonite Church.

            Deborah Goode, a representative of Bally Mennonite Church Council, requested direction from the borough council concerning a musical festival in the borough's park.  Goode said she will try to coordinate with two other nearby churches to sponsor the event.  She expects the churches who participate will provide food for the event.  The borough council suggested porta potties and a generator be provided for the event. 

            Mayor Dave Schott announced the borough would like to employ another part-time police officer. In a hopeful sign for the future, Mayor Schott reported he had performed three weddings in the last month and will perform another wedding next week.  The mayor said, "People are coming out and they are getting married."

            The Halloween Parade, an annual event in Bally, will be held this year.

            The Borough of Bally continued its State of Emergency.