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HOLLIDAYSBURG -- The state is withholding relief funds from the Phoenix Volunteer Fire Department this year because of a lack of finished paperwork, Borough Council President Joseph A. Pompa said Thursday.
Pompa said during Thursday's council meeting the Attorney General's Office called the borough about the move.
Pompa said the members of the department were unable to attend the meeting because of training, but were expected to have a financial plan ready by the next meeting.
Hollidaysburg Community Watchdog President Richard Latker said his group has "very grave concerns" about the fire department's leadership.
"We don't want to see the fire department close. We want a fire department. We want one that's responsive and transparent." Latker said. "But the way this one is functioning -- installing a convicted felon's son as the new chief -- I mean this is absurd. It's appalling."
Former Phoenix Fire Chief Anthony John Dibona was sentenced Aug. 4 to one day in federal custody and two years of supervision for embezzling federal funds earmarked for fire companies in Blair and Bedford counties.
U.S. District Judge Kim R. Gibson barred Dibona from holding any position in the fire department with fiduciary responsibility, meaning he cannot serve as president or chief and cannot authorize spending by the department.
Latker also told council of his group's displeasure with the departure of the chief of police.
The watchdog group also is concerned about the updating of the 1982 Hollidaysburg Comprehensive Plan, and its reflection of current needs and future desires of borough residents. The group maintains its calls for transparency and public involvement in the process, which has been delayed due to COVID-19.
The plan must be updated by 2022. The group is concerned the plan will reflect "entrenched interest" and not Hollidaysburg residents, asking for all zoning requests to be placed on hiatus until the plan is completed.
The council approved a resolution accepting the uniformed and non-uniformed employee pension plans. It also approved a motion that allows further work on an agreement with Altoona-Blair County Development Corp. for the Hollidaysburg Revolving Loan Fund.