(12/31) The proposed 2009 budget for Fairfield Borough was unanimously approved by the borough council Tuesday evening.

The proposed budget was officially adopted in the amount of $164,600.

The amount actually represents a $1,000 decrease from the 2008 budget of $165,600.

As a result of the budget work that went into the final product, there will be no need to raise the tax rate to support the balanced budget.

The current tax rate of 4.5 mills will remain in place.

In addition, the budget allows for a cost of living increase for borough employees.

The council also voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a three percent raise for employees for 2009.

Also approved for 2009 was the snow removal contract, which was awarded to Lobar Associates, 4 Barlo Circle, Dillsburg.

Lobar will be subcontracting the plowing, which will be at a rate ranging from $60 to $72 per hour, depending on personnel and equipment needed.

Chemicals used, such as anti-skid and salts, would be extra.

Councilman Ronald Shanks reported that the Pippinfest Committee has already received several applications for the 2009 event.

Pippinfest is held annually in Fairfield during the last weekend in September.

The borough Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) will be looking for a photographer to assist in photographing historic structures and areas within the borough.

Presently borough Secretary, Treasurer and Zoning Officer Robert Fortenbaugh is trying to locate National Park Service standards for documentary photography.

The project was made possible as a result of a $5,000 donation provided to the town by Liberty Towers, the firm currently in the process of erecting a cell tower on Fairfield Fire and EMS property within the borough.

Regarding progress on that tower, Fortenbaugh told the council Tuesday that Liberty will likely resume construction on the tower during the week of January 5.

The cell tower company is using a construction contractor out of Greencastle.

Fortenbaugh said the tower could be constructed in six to seven days if weather permits the contractor to pour the base pad.

The towers are generally delivered in three sections and can go up fairly quickly, he said.

Also remaining to be installed are the approved fencing and gates.