Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Baldwin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in taxes budget
2027 budget deficit and EMS contribution
EMS business costs rose 13.4 percent from 2020 to 2025, but the service is financially stable with reserves. Council will study how to boost support for both EMS and fire service this year.
Three-municipality fire study
A fire study covering three municipalities is in progress with surveys complete and council interviews scheduled for May 11; findings are expected within a few months.
Public Works Staffing Before Winter
A new five-year deal pays Baldwin for salting state roadways in winter. It brings in state compensation for work crews were doing anyway.
2027 Budget Preparation
Budget sessions are set for October 26, November 2, and November 24, with most numbers ready pending final sanitation figures.
May 2026 Finances
The borough's projected deficit dropped from $876K to $588K thanks to the road program coming in under budget and insurance dividends. Council also discussed but declined to add funding for the volunteer fire company, saying they're still in deficit territory.
GESA Energy Upgrades for Borough Building
TEN pitched a Guaranteed Energy Savings Act program to modernize the 70-year-old borough building — lighting, roof, HVAC, water — with savings funding the work and no upfront cost until signing. Council will weigh whether to pursue it or consider a new building entirely.
Contractor payments and bond release
Council closed out two Jet Jack water-flow repair contracts and paid Stonemile Group for early salt building work, plus trimmed the J. Poli bond to $2,200 pending stormwater documents.
Municipal building energy upgrades (GESA)
The borough building is aging — old boiler, failing HVAC, a 15–20-year-old roof, and asbestos concerns. Council agreed to hear an August presentation on a Guaranteed Energy Savings Act program that could fund efficiency upgrades paid back through energy savings.
Loss of Newspaper of General Circulation
The Post-Gazette closes in May, and Baldwin has no print paper left to legally publish notices. Council must pass a workaround resolution by April while lobbying Harrisburg for digital-notice legislation.