New council members take office in Donora

Four new council members took office and were sworn in this week by Mayor Don Pavelko.

Voters ushered in a new era for Donora Borough Council, and on Monday night that change formally took shape during the borough’s reorganization meeting.

All four open council seats were filled by newcomers following last fall’s election.

On Monday, Neal Rands, Michelle Kitchens, Mark Bizzell Boyer and Roderick Wilson Sr. were sworn in to their seats on council by Mayor Don Pavelko who ran unopposed for another term.

Rands was sworn in ahead of time due to his absence from the reorganization session.

Addressing the newly seated council, Pavelko cautioned members about the realities of municipal government and encouraged professionalism despite differences.

Addressing the newly seated council, Pavelko emphasized leadership, persistence and professionalism.

Pavelko said governing often comes with limits that are not always apparent to first-time officials.

“To the new members of council, you are going to have to lead by example,” Pavelko said. “You are going to find out that some of the ideas you may have, because of state and federal laws, cannot be implemented. When I got on council, I thought I was going to make all kinds of changes to make Donora a better place. I learned due to rules and regulations, those thoughts of grandeur quickly evaporated. You must keep battling. I hope we all will keep in mind the words of my mentor, Al Sanchez, ‘We can disagree without being disagreeable.’” Council also finalized its leadership structure.

Casey Perrotta was selected as council president, while DeAnne Pavelko was named vice president. Rands was appointed president pro tempore.

Michael Thornton was retained as borough administrator, and Stephen Grcich was appointed vacancy board chairman.

Pavelko also administered the oath of office to Susan Vitalbo, tax collector, and Grcich for his vacancy board role.

In a move aimed at giving the new council members a voice in fiscal decisions, DeAnne Pavelko announced plans to reopen the 2026 budget.

In December, council approved a $2.7 million spending plan that holds the borough’s total millage rate at 9 mills, unchanged from the rate adopted after last year’s increase.

The millage breakdown as it stands remains 8.625 mills for general purposes, 0.125 mills for fire protection, 0.219 mills for recreation and 0.031 mills for the library.

The budget also includes measures to relieve pressure on the sewer fund.

Beginning Jan. 1, monthly sewer line maintenance fees doubled from $5 to $10, increasing the annual cost per household from $60 to $120.

Reopening the budget will allow new council members to review the document and propose adjustments before it takes effect.