SLIPPERY ROCK — Borough council battled Tuesday over how to finance a drainage project in the Poplar Forest housing development.

Council first voted down a loan offer from Mercer County State Bank for $300,000 for 10 years at an interest rate of 3.49 percent.

The vote was tied 3-3 with council President Russell Karl absent. Royce Lorentz, Ronald Steele and Tom McPherson voted in favor. Gene Allison, Denton Zeronas and Mike Sullivan voted nay. Mayor Jondavid Longo broke the tie, voting no.

Longo echoed many of the cost-cutting comments as the council members who opposed the motion.

Longo said the borough should at least apply for a state-funded loan that would allow using state liquid fuels money toward payments. He said he wants to save taxpayers money.

“It's not our money, after all,” Longo said.

The council instead approved a resolution authorizing John Trant, community planner-project manager, and representative of Gateway Engineering, to apply for the state-funded loan. McPherson and Steele voted no.

“These people are sitting here waiting for us to do something,” Steele said.

In early 2018, the council authorized Gateway Engineers to look into drainage issues at Poplar Forest after residents complained about sitting water.

Amy Smith, a Poplar Forest resident along White Oak Drive, said she and her husband moved into the neighborhood in July and have been experiencing the water issues firsthand.

Smith said the water collects and pools, and this presents riskier conditions in the winter when it turns into ice.

“The water isn't reaching the drains,” Smith said. “The water drains from our yard and out into the road and freezes.”

Smith said she was glad for the borough's support. She said she hopes the council will continue to keep residents involved in discussions as homeowners might need to do some work on their own.

“Maybe we can start doing some of that ahead of time,” Smith said. “We're grateful that the borough is taking this on and recognizing a need.”

Allison, council vice president, said the engineers returned a report that showed poor infrastructure.

Allison said with the developers no longer around, the borough needs to step in to help the residents.

“We're trying to solve it,” Allison said.

Trant said the project was initially estimated to cost $280,000, but it's safer to round up the amount to $300,000.

“There's a lack of a stormwater spine to address the stormwater issues throughout the community,” Trant said.

Jonathan Garczewski, a project manager for Gateway Engineers, said the creation of this “stormwater backbone” would require the borough to address five major areas, all with the goal of collecting and diverting water along natural courses.

“Some easements may be needed to convey the water toward their natural courses,” Garczewski said. “We're working with the borough solicitor on that.”

Steele said the Poplar Forest residents should not have to wait any longer.

“We've talked about this situation and listened to complaints about this,” Steele said. “Here's our opportunity to show the community that we have their backs and take care of this.”

Regina Greenwald, another Poplar Forest resident along White Oak Drive, said by not accepting a loan offer Tuesday night, the council guaranteed work will not begin this year.

She said the wait will inadvertently cost the residents of Poplar Forest money as they deal with the adverse effects.

“You're not moving along fast enough,” Greenwald said.