A cost-savings measure by Youngsville Borough has led to privacy concerns.
During borough council's meeting on Monday, members discussed the practice of mailing utility bills on postcards. Borough Secretary Lisa Hagberg said there have been complaints since the practice began and council agreed to review it after three billing cycles.
Borough Clerk Kim Hall said there have been complaints regarding the lack of privacy afforded by the postcards. Two more complained about the postcards being damaged in the mail, she said.
Council member Steven Morris asked if the postcards could be folded. Hagberg said they could not, but noted the only person who would see them is the postmaster.
Council member Eric Mineweaser asked if the borough was breaking any law by mailing the bills this way. Solicitor Tim Bevevino replied it was not and many municipalities use that method.
According to Hall, the borough sends more sensitive information like shutoff and termination notices in envelopes. Council member Erik Leamon asked if the borough could hold bills for those who want to pick them up at the borough building, and Hall replied it could.
In other business, a group of Girl Scouts approached council to explain their plans for a teen center in Youngsville. Scout Leader Jennifer Fox-Riggin said they had gotten $1,000 in seed money through a program to help young people address social issues in their communities.
Scouts took turns describing how the center could get young people off the streets and away from drugs and alcohol. They also plan to have teen pregnancy prevention classes at the center.
"This is an idea they're now working out," Fox-Riggin said. "There will be a town hall meeting at the end of the month."
The scouts planned to have a meeting to discuss the issue at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24 at the Youngsville Free Methodist Church.
Council planned to meet next at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13.