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The South Londonderry Board of Supervisors on Tuesday heard results of the 2021 audit, approved the separation of fire tax funds into two accounts, and discussed the Campbelltown Park Pavilion project.
The audit found that taxes this year increased by $141,000: $6,000 from real estate tax collections, $75,000 from income tax collections, and $60,000 from real estate transfer tax increases.
Grants and gifts increased by $532,000: $446,000 in ARPA funds, a DEP grant of $81,000, and a pension decrease of $8,500.
Other revenues decreased by $155,000. The general fund revenue increased by $514,000.
The total increase in expenditures from last year was $57,000.
Due partially to a note issued to Lawn Fire Company for $539,000 (which will be paid back over the next 15 years), the fund balance decreased by $282,000, whereas last year the balance increased by $372,000.
Investment earnings for 2021 were $612,000, whereas the previous year saw $608,000 in earnings.
In terms of budget planning compared to actual amounts spent, revenue was $717,000 more and expenditures were $36,000 more.
“Our opinion stated that the financial statements referred to in the audit report are presented fairly and conforming with the modified cash basis of the county described in the notes to the financial statement,” Angela Shea of Garcia, Garman & Shea explained.
In an unanimous decision, the board agreed to begin the process of separating bank accounts/funds for the Campbelltown and Lawn Fire companies.
This will have future fire tax funds split 60/40 between the companies.
The decision will allow both companies to have a better idea of how many funds are at their disposal from the township at any time. It will also reduce the need to track how much of the account should go to each company.
The board also discussed plans for the Campbelltown Park Pavilion, which is receiving $14,500 from a Marcellus Shale Grant and $5,500 in other funds from the township. The Cambelltown Community Association (CCA) will cover the rest.
The CCA received three quotes for pavilion construction costs and was planning on handling the quotes independently.
However, township manager John Eberly, on prior discussion with county officials, found that due to the amount the township is contributing both in the Marcellus Shale Grant and other funds, it may be legally liable if it does not formally request bids for the project.
Both board members and members of the CCA expressed displeasure with the turn of events, as opening up the project to bids incurs additional expenses and adds time to the project, which they hope to have completed by winter.
While board member William Bova made a motion to allow the CCA to continue with quotes, this was not seconded. After further discussion, the board unanimously agreed to seek bids for 15 days, ideally allowing them to select a bid at the June 14 meeting.
The bid specifications will be made to the CCA’s plans. The three contractors that offered quotes will be reached out to directly to be made aware that the project is now seeking bids.
Several Campbelltown residents attended the meeting to voice their support for improvements to township pedestrian safety. Resident of Windermere Richard Yohe submitted a petition with 49 signatures in support of a “Crosswalks Recommendations” plan, which he also submitted to the board.
While board members did not discuss the topic extensively, they noted that it will be up for discussion at the public workshop meeting May 25.
In other business, the board:
- Unanimously took a $169,996 bid (significantly lower than the $260,000 estimate) for a Mount Gretna above-ground sewer line replacement.
- Unanimously accepted a final bid of $29,200 for a backhoe being sold by the municipality.
- Unanimously agreed to an easement of property for a new sign.
- Discussed cyber insurance options, but found that their current IT providers already provide cyber insurance.
- Heard the manager’s, zoning, and solicitor’s reports.
- Unanimously approved the 2023 budget development calendar (PDF).
- Unanimously agreed to end the probationary period for Trudy Jackson.
- Unanimously approved bill and payroll lists 08 and 09-22.
- Unanimously approved the minutes of the April 12 meeting (PDF) and April 27 workshop (PDF).
South Londonderry Township supervisors meet at 27 W. Market St. on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. The next meeting will be held June 14. These meetings are open to the public and do not require registration.
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