A special budget work session of the Board of Supervisors was conducted on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 commencing at 9:00 a.m. Present was Supervisors Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Moore, and Mr. Taylor via telephone connection. Also present was Township Solicitor, Mr. OKeefe, Township Accountant, Mr. Herr, Township Manager, Mr. Walters, and members of the community.
A moment of silence and Pledge of Allegiance was observed.
Mr. Reynolds stated the reason we are here is to re-open the 2018 budget. Some things that need to be discussed are the fire tax, the salary for the Treasurers position, and miscellaneous items to keep the bottom line of increase of expenses under 10%.
Mr. O’Keefe stated he has had no response, as of yet, from the Ethics Commission concerning the fire tax. Mr. Reynolds would like to have the millage lowered from 1mill fire tax to .45 mill for fire and .02 for EMS, which is approximately $130,000.00. This would be a 35% decrease in the fire tax. This tax can only be used by the by the fire companies. Mr. Taylor feels the residents should have a say in the fire tax. Mr. OKeefe stated it is okay to discuss it now and present it at the regular Board of Supervisors meeting.
The Treasurer’s salary was taken out of the budget, so it needs to set the Treasurers salary. The Board agreed to set the salary for the Treasurer at $68,000. Mr. Taylor stated that Tammy saved a lot of money for the Township before, she got the AED in the Township lobby from the County, and she is good with the budget. She is worth that amount of salary. The decision was unanimous by all the Board members.
A truck for the Road Department will be done in two phases. $50,000 is budgeted for 2018 and the other half next year. Mr. Simmons stated that this truck is almost the same size as the 1989 International. A new truck is definitely a necessity and will cost $172,000.00. Mr. Simmons stated there are major problems with rust on the 06 and 09 trucks. Mr. Simmons stated that it will take 9 months to a year to receive the new truck if ordered now. His suggestion is to keep the International, for a spare and then get rid of it, the same thing for the 2009. So with this new truck there can be a rotation of equipment. Mr. Herr stated there is a 20% limit on Liquid Fuels to pay for a truck, but State Contract (Co-Stars) are allowed full amount. There is $125,000 in the Liquid Fuels account at this time, with another $200,000 with this year’s addition. The total of the truck could be taken from the Liquid Fuels account, since the truck is through Co-Stars, and that will put $50,000 back in the General Fund.
Mr. Walters stated he will have the PMRS numbers by the middle of March or the end of April. Ms. Russell that when she was here the last time, she contacted the State and they gave her an estimated number of $80,000 per year, but no exact number until the study is completed. Mr. O’Keefe feels it would be wise to allocate some amount in the budget this year. Ms. Russell stated with the police contract has an opt-out of the Township offered Health Insurance, and those who opt out will get a payout in their paycheck bi-weekly. Mr. Herr estimates this cost to be $20,000 to $22,000 in 2018. There will be no other full-time officer hired for this year.
Mr. Herr stated that the bottom line on the budget there has been an increase of 9.89%.
Mr. O’Keefe stated there should be an Executive Session after this meeting to discuss the Chief’s contract.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to appoint Curt Martinez as Sadsbury Township Tax Collector. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to appoint Paul Napolentano and Stephanie Silvernail as Auditors for the Township. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Ms. Silvernail will call a meeting of the Auditors to reorganize and will let the Secretary know so the meeting can be advertised.
The Township has received Stormwater Easement, Subdivision Financial security agreement, and an Escrow Agreement from Sadsbury Arcadia Assosciates to be signed by the Chairman. These documents have been reviewed by Max O’Keefe and are ready to be signed.
Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Taylor, to sign the documents presented by Sadsbury Arcadia Associates per Mr. O’Keefe’s recommendation. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
The next budget meeting will be Friday, February 2, 2018 at 9:00 a.m.
With there being no further business, Mr. Reynolds made a motion, seconded by Mr. Moore, to adjourn the meeting. With there being no questions from the public, the Board voting “aye”, the motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Linda Shank
Secretary