SLIPPERY ROCK — New businesses in the borough will enjoy some reduced fees for a limited time.

Starting in July and running to June 30, 2019, new businesses locating in the borough will see a 25 percent reduction in fees for simple subdivision, land development, conditional use applications, zoning permits, variances and special exceptions, liquor license transfers, and sign and building permit fees.

Borough council members approved a resolution for the fee reduction at Tuesday night's meeting. Slippery Rock Mayor Jondavid Longo had asked the council to look into the measures months ago.

Longo said the borough's fees deterred some prospective businesses from settling in town, and he wanted council to help him change that perception.

“I think this is a perfect move and the right gesture,” Longo said. “We have a vibrant community that is worth investing in.”

Longo said he was initially hoping for a more drastic gesture, but was fine with the resolution.

“Originally I was looking for a more robust reduction,” he said. “Overall, I'm happy council was open to discussing my proposal.”

Council member Gene Allison said the council was wary of reducing the fees too much.

“We don't want a chance to lose too much money,” he said.

Despite the caution, the board unanimously approved the resolution.

“I think we're trying to be proactive as a council instead of reactive,” Allison said.

Allison said he would like to see some new small shops in town, like bakeries or specialty shops, as well as light manufacturing and service industries.

He said the borough hopes new businesses will see the potential of the town through the fee reductions.

“Some of our past restrictions have limited people coming in here, and we intend to work on that,” Allison said. “We're willing to negotiate as long as (a new business) doesn't break up a neighborhood.”

Longo said the fee reductions started working even before they were approved. He said he talked with some prospective businesses that were interested in the idea.

“There very much is a growing interest in doing business in Slippery Rock,” Longo said. “More than anything I want to see more jobs for the folks in our town, but also more options for folks.”