Archive for October 2009
East Norriton works to fill budget deficit
The 2010 proposed budget for East Norriton would increase the real estate tax millage from 2.312 to 2.382. With revenue projections falling, balancing the budget may include a larger tax increase than the proposed .07 mills. The budget includes an increase in police general services, employee benefits and taxes, and fire equipment contributions, with a decrease in planning and zoning expenses. Another budget hearing will be held Nov. 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the East Norriton Township Office, 2501 Stanbridge Street, East Norriton, PA 19401. Final budget adoption is scheduled for Dec. 15.
Norristown Council looks at debt refinancing
In an effort to close a budget shortfall in the 2010 preliminary budget, Norristown Council looked at debt refinancing to reduce borrowing costs and close the budget gap without a large increase in real estate taxes. The refinance option would result in a millage increase from 10.6 to 11 mills. The budget discussion will continue at the next budget workshop scheduled for Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, 235 E. Airy St., Norristown and during a regularly scheduled council meeting on Nov. 17.
New zoning and building regulations approved for Garrett Hill
In October 2007 about 60 Garrett Hill residents stormed into Radnor Township’s offices demanding they be part of a proposed plan to change the zoning and subdivision regulations for their small enclave. In October 2008 a scheduled vote on proposed changes that a steering committee of residents crafted was delayed due to concerns by members of the business community that their properties would be negatively affected.
One year later, on Monday night, Radnor’s Board of Commissioners voted to Read the rest of this entry »
Easttown residents oppose ‘nuisance taxes’
Facing a forecasted operating deficit of as much as $1 million for 2010, Easttown Township has been exploring the implementation of one or more Act 511 taxes (often called “nuisance taxes”), including an earned income tax — an unpopular revenue-generator in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Many of the 250 residents who attended the township supervisors meeting told the board that it should consider cuts before raising existing property taxes or implementing new taxes. According to numbers generated by tax-collection companies, the township estimates that a 1 percent Earned Income Tax could generate more than $3 million in 2010. However Read the rest of this entry »
Smith Farm agreement approved in West Bradford Township
West Bradford supervisors recently approved an agreement for the Smith Farm development plan. The agreement will allow for a 125-home development and preservation of the existing cattle farm. Read the rest of this entry »
Gay Street Bridge to reopen in Phoenixville
The Gay Street Bridge in Phoenixville has received a facelift and a soon-to-be new name – the Veterans Memorial Gay Street Bridge. The bridge, due to be reopened Oct. 16, has been under construction since April 2008. Both pedestrian and vehicular travel will be restored between downtown Phoenixville and North Side. Just in time for the Firebird Festival.
Radnor discusses tax hike and curbside trash pickup for 2010
Radnor Township’s interim manager, John Granger, has seen a recent decrease in the initial large deficit projected for 2010, but states that the decrease is not enough to balance the budget without a real estate tax increase. Also being discussed are trash pickup options. Radnor has offered back yard trash pickup free of charge for many years, but that may be on the chopping block as the 2010 budget discussions continue. The next Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Oct. 26 at 7:00 p.m. in the township’s municipal building, 301 Iven Avenue, Wayne , PA 19087.
Easttown Township to explore earned income tax as revenue option
On Monday, Oct. 19, at 8:00 p.m., the Easttown Township Board of Supervisors will be presented with information on Earned Income Tax and other Act 511 taxes by the Pennsylvania Economy League. The meeting is to be held at the Beaumont Elementary School, 575 Beaumont Road, Devon, and is open to the public. Easttown Township is facing a budget deficit for 2010, in part due to declining real estate transfer tax revenue, salary increases and an increased pension contribution. An ad-hoc budget committee was created at the Oct. 5 Board of Supervisors meeting with the intent of looking at the budget with an independent set of eyes and varied expertise. The members include a forensic accountant, business consultant, marketing professional, Realtor and tax attorney. The committee is seeking people of other professions to assist in reviewing the budget and proposed changes. Click here for the public meeting notice.
Norristown presents preliminary budget
The 2010 preliminary budget for Norristown includes a 7.5 percent real estate millage increase, a residential trash collection fee and a gross receipts tax on parking lots. Read the rest of this entry »
Approval granted for Ardmore Station project agreement
Approval was granted for the agreement between Lower Merion Township and Dranoff Properties to develop the Ardmore Station area. The 30-page document lays out the formal, binding terms of responsibility, progress dates and termination circumstances. The 8-3 vote came on Sept. 30 after much negotiation in a somewhat rushed move for approval. The push came due to the need for a firm relationship before submission of a PennDOT grant application to obtain federal stimulus money.
