PAGES OF THE PAST

• Monessen Council was trying to hold the line on taxes for the upcoming year’s budget. The police force needed a new police cruiser and Mayor Mary Jo Smith and three of the four council members were willing to take pay cuts to pay for it. Council members are paid $2,800 and the mayor $4,800; the proposed plan would have council members give back a total of $22,000 toward the purchase of the new cruiser.