Bethlehem City Council Blesses $900,000 Dip Into Escrow

Michael Recchiuti practices blank stare

Earlier this month, a cash-strapped Callahan administration transferred $900,000 from a restricted fund, its  Treasurer's Escrow, so that Bethlehem could meet payroll. In effect, the City was giving itself a loan until the $9.3 million casino host fee comes rolling in. Council was informed. After it had happened. Council Prez Eric Evans told The Morning Call that, although he would have preferred some advance notice, there was likely no violation of a 2007 City ordinance specifically requiring "prior notice to and approval of City Council."

Last night, City Council unanimously agreed to add a Resolution to the agenda approving this transfer, after the fact. Then they unanimously approved it, after the fact. Not one question was asked. Not one comment was made. Neither Mayor John Callahan nor DCED Director Joe Kelly was in the house, leaving Business Administrator Dennis Reichard to hold the bag for any fallout.

The only grumbling at all came from the citizenry, after the fact. Bob Pfenning asked, "What are you going to do about it? You got an Ordinance. It wasn't followed. It doesn't have any teeth in it. You could put teeth in it if you wish to as a Council." He suggested that Council should just get rid of an Ordinance that is ignored and stop pretending.

Pfenning's suggestion was answered with blank stares from a disinterested Council.