Budget & Fiscal Plan

LOWER GWYNEDD TOWNSHIP APPROVES 2009 BUDGET AND FISCAL PLAN WITH NO TAX INCREASE FOR 13TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

The proposed 2009 Budget and Fiscal Plan ("the Plan") was approved unanimously by the Lower Gwynedd Township Board of Supervisors at their regular Meeting held on December 23, 2008.

The Fiscal Plan reflects total expenditures of $16,662,012, and a General Fund totaling $6,073,969. 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 2009.

No revenue increases are anticipated in 2009 from the Earned Income, Real Estate or Business Privilege/Mercantile taxes. Real Estate Transfer Tax revenues are projected to decrease in 2009. These taxes will reflect the economic conditions in the region and nationally.

The major expense in the General Fund, representing 40% of the total, is for police protection. Operating expenses for the police department will total $2,448,967 in 2009. The Township will provide $179,581 to North Penn Fire Co. and Wissahickon Fire Co. for fire protection in 2009. The Township will also contribute $808,634 to the employee pension funds to keep them actuarially sound.

The 2009 Budget does not include an increase in sewer rates. Rate increases were necessitated in 2008 due to increased treatment charges from Ambler Borough. According to the Borough of Ambler, treatment charges will drop 7% in 2009. There could be a significant increase in rates if treatment standards are imposed by the Commonwealth in the future.

The Township budget includes capital expenditures totaling $2,330,096. The single largest capital program is for road repaving ($682,100). Other projects include allocations for two pickup trucks ($68,229), a police vehicle and other purchases ($72,851), rehabilitation of the Ingersoll House ($225,000), and partial funding of a fire sub-station ($400,000).

The 2009 budget for the Recreation Fund totals $518,190. The .052 Recreation real estate tax generates only 13% of the revenues needed to support the fund. The remainder comes from program income and transfers from the General Fund.

The approved budget will allow the township to continue to deliver a high level of service to those who live and work in Lower Gwynedd Township.

The Township Manager thanked the staff and Board of Supervisors for their work in producing the 2009 Budget and Fiscal Plan.

The Plan will continue to be available for public inspection at the Township Building during regular business hours and on the Township's website.

Budget & Fiscal Plan Documents

• 2009 Approved Budget (69 page(s), 172 KB)
• 2010 Approved Budget (73 page(s), 176 KB)
• Supporting Documentation for 2010 Budget (96 page(s), 8 MB)