No change in millage rate for West Cornwall Township draft 2026 budget

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For the 10th consecutive year, West Cornwall Township supervisors are retaining the current millage rate at 1.25 mills, according to the 2026 draft budget released Monday.

But this is the first year that the township’s projected revenues top $1 million, said supervisor David Lloyd, who presented the draft budget. He attributed that increase to recent residential growth, notably the Apartments at 419 in Quentin.

On the expense side, the budget includes funds for a part-time township manager position and improvements to the township’s property at 67 W. Main St.

In a telephone interview Tuesday, Lloyd said the township is considering multiple options for the part-time manager position from contracting with a firm that provides municipal leadership to possibly sharing the position with another municipality. The township is preparing a Request for Proposals for release in 2026, he added.

Also included in the proposed budget is $78,500 for structural engineering and design of the township’s property at 67 W. Main St., Quentin. In May 2024, the township purchased the half-acre property with historic stone building at the intersection of Main Street and North Zinns Mill Road.

That property also has front and back lots that will provide much-needed parking for Quentin businesses and residents. The draft budget includes paving and striping of both lots for a total of $25,000.

Should the draft budget be approved, supervisors will contribute $30,000 to both the Mount Gretna and Quentin volunteer fire departments with the possible addition of $10,000 each should the two companies pursue forming a commission. While the two companies would remain independent, they would share operational relationships.

Establishment of such a commission was a recommendation from a recent study of fire companies serving six municipalities including West Cornwall Township. That three-year study by the state Department of Economic & Community Development considered the three fire companies in the southern region: Community FC of Cornwall, Mount Gretna FC and Quentin FC.

Read More: Study recommends consolidation of fire departments across six municipalities

Unlike the other municipalities in the study, West Cornwall has two fire companies. Under a commission, they could become the West Cornwall Township FC.

“The study concluded that within 10 years, the volunteer fire company likely will be gone,” Lloyd said at the meeting.

Even before the study’s release, supervisors had encouraged Mount Gretna and Quentin fire companies to pursue joint training and other joint ventures. Supervisors’ intention with the additional $10,000 contributions is to jumpstart conversations about how to proceed.

Two township playgrounds also are in line for improvements at an estimated cost of $108,133. The Scenic Ridge playground will have new equipment, and the basketball court will be converted to two pickleball courts. The township also will contribute to new fencing at the Heritage Park playground in Mount Gretna Campmeeting.

The proposed budget also includes:

• 5% increase for wages and salaries;
• 22% increase in general and workers comp insurance;
• 5% increase in the police services contract.

In other business, township engineer Jeff Steckbeck reported that work on the North Zinns Mill Road/Main Street project will begin as soon as inlets and pipes are delivered. That project involves new curbs, sidewalks and drainage.

He also reported that the scope of the South Zinns Mill Road drainage control project has changed with the cost dropping from an estimated $50,000 to $10,000 or less. A drainpipe crossing US 322 directly behind the township office was discovered and uncovered during a site inspection. With the debris cleaned out and a berm constructed, this pipe will be used as a discharge point for stormwater from the five upland acres, he said.

Steckbeck said the West Cornwall Township Municipal Authority is investigating grant funding to purchase a portable generator to boost water pressure when needed. The authority’s negotiating committee plans to meet with officials of the Mennonite School property to discuss the purchase price of a one-acre site for a new well.

In an update on subdivision/land development plants, Steckbeck noted the Cavalry at Quentin site has been cleared. Excavation for stormwater will begin once inlets and manholes are manufactured, and pipe is delivered.

Two of the four 24-unit buildings at Apartments at 419 are complete and being occupied, Steckbeck said. Work continues on the two other 24-unit buildings, the 8-unit building and the Clubhouse.

Supervisors held an executive session after the public meeting to discuss personnel and legal matters. Solicitor Eric Gibson said information from that session will be shared at supervisors’ December meeting.

West Cornwall Township supervisors meet at 73 S. Zinns Mill Road on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting will be held Monday, Dec. 8. These meetings are open to the public and do not require registration.