LOWER GWYNEDD TOWNSHIP APPROVES 2008 BUDGET AND FISCAL PLAN WITH NO TAX INCREASE FOR 12TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR; SEWER RATES TO INCREASE
The proposed 2008 Budget and Fiscal Plan ("the Plan") was approved unanimously by the Lower Gwynedd Township Board of Supervisors at their regular Meeting held on December 18, 2007.
The Fiscal Plan reflects expenditures of $16,758,697. There will be no tax increase. The millage rate will remain 1.117 mills. A home assessed at $350,000 will pay $390.95 in Township real estate taxes in 2008.
The budget includes an increase in sewer rates. Sewer rates for most customers in Lower Gwynedd are based on water usage. A property owner using 12,000 gallons of water in a quarter will pay $55.00 in 2008, up from $45.00, with additional usage increasing from $3.05 to $3.75 per thousand gallons. The increase is required to partially offset treatment charges from Ambler Borough, which will increase 31% in 2008, from $717,742 to $937,717. The increased treatment charges reflect the cost of more stringent treatment requirements imposed on Ambler's Treatment Plant by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Township Manager Larry Comunale noted that Lower Gwynedd residents and businesses will still have one of the lowest sewer user charges in the region.
The Manager advised that additional increases can be anticipated as treatment charges continue to rise. He further noted that, even with the increase, the Township's Sewer Operating Budget is using surplus funds to meet expenses. Edward J. Brandt, Chairman of the Lower Gwynedd Township Board of Supervisors, stated that a sub-committee of the Board will be reviewing the Township's rate structure in 2008 to determine when further increases may be required.
In 2008, the Township has budgeted $3,868,906 in capital expenditures. The Township plans to repave Hoover, Knight and Houston roads at an estimated cost of $673,800. Nearly $100,000 is budgeted for new vehicles and equipment for the Police Department. An emergency generator to provide back-up electricity to the Township Building will be installed in 2008 at a cost of $300,000. Funds have also been budgeted ($250,000) for improvements and renovations to the Township-owned Ingersol House.
The Township Manager thanked the staff and Board of Supervisors for their work in producing the 2008 Budget and Fiscal Plan.
The Plan will continue to be available for public inspection at the Township Building during regular business hours and here on the Township's web site.
