A Budget Work Session of the Whitpain Township Board of Supervisors was held on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at the Whitpain Township Building, 960 Wentz Road, Blue Bell, PA at 9:00 AM in Meeting Room B. Chairman Leigh P. Narducci was present with Supervisors Anthony F. Greco, William L. McKernan III, Joseph J. Palmer, and Brian W. Young. Township Manager Phyllis C. Lieberman, Assistant Township Manager / Township Engineer Roman M. Pronczak, Director of Finance M. Elizabeth McBride, Police Chief Mark A. Smith, Director of Public Works Ronald J. Cione, Code Enforcement Officer Michael E. McAndrew, Fire Marshal David M. Camarda, Parks and Recreation Director Kurt W. Baker, and Assistant Finance Director Andi Gallagher were also present. Also present was resident Jerome Charen.

Ms. McBride distributed a summary sheet showing historical millage and how it is allocated. Mr. McKernan commented that although the budget presented is balanced without a tax increase, the budget surplus is being depleted to dangerous levels and that we would likely not be able to balance the budget next year without a significant increase. A question was also raised regarding the accuracy of the revenue projections for the EMS/LST tax. Ms. McBride stated that this is based on information provided by Berkheimer, but she will follow up with them and will make the necessary adjustment.

The first fund discussed was the Fire Tax Fund, which includes the expenditures requested by the Centre Square Fire Company (CSFC). It was noted the CSFC is proposing incentive programs, in particular a Length of Service Program, to entice people to join the fire company and to retain fire fighters. The Supervisors indicated that anything that promotes volunteerism and delays hiring of additional staff is something that should be considered. However, additional details are needed regarding how the program will be administered and how much will have to be budgeted in future years. The Supervisors also agreed that since any major upgrades or relocation of the CSFC station are several years away, the doors at the existing station should be raised to accommodate larger equipment. It was also agreed that the purchase of a snow plow should be included in the capital budget; however, the operating budget for grounds maintenance should be reduced. It was also agreed that the purchase of the two laptop computers and the gear grid system are reasonable requests, but should be purchased through the Firemen's Relief Fund.

The Police Department budget includes the addition of one new police officer, which will enable creating squads consisting of six officers on each squad. Also discussed were traffic signal costs and what can be expected with the Route 202 widening project. The Supervisors asked whether the police vehicles are currently equipped with the latest technology. Chief Smith indicated that they are, with the exception of being able to video tape vehicle stops. He added that he will attempt to obtain grants for that purpose.

During review of the Code Enforcement & Zoning Department and Zoning Hearing Board budgets, it was noted that expenses exceed revenues. Mr. McAndrew indicated that he could re-evaluate permit fees to bridge the gap between revenues and expenditures. It was agreed that it may not be possible to cover all expenses with fees; however, at least 75 % of expenses should be covered.

Ms. McBride indicated that a new department was created in the operating budget to better track computer related costs. This section includes a portion of the fire marshal's and the code enforcement secretary's salaries, plus the computer consultant's fees. These items were previously budgeted in various departmental operating budgets. The Fire Marshal's budget does not include any new employees; however, it was noted that pending the outcome of the emergency services study additional employees may be requested in future years.

At approximately 11:00 AM, the Budget Work session was adjourned.

Roman M. Pronczak, P.E. 
Whitpain Township Engineer/ Assistant Township Manager

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