WEST HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS

Minutes of Budget Workshop on November 1, 2010

The West Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors met on Monday, November 1, 2010

at the Township Muncipal Office, 3401 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster, Pennsylvania to conduct a Budget Workshop.  David Dumeyer called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.  Board members

Frank Burkhart, Edward Fisher, Anthony Crocamo and Kent Gardner were present.  Also in attendance were Ron Youtz, Township Manager, and Sandra Mullin, Finance/Personnel Administrator.

David Dumeyer advised that the purpose of this workshop was to review the proposed 2011 budget, with a consensus to be arrived at, but no votes to be taken.

Ron Youtz recognized the commitment of staff in working to meet his goal of presenting a balanced budget to the Board.  He then referenced the draft budget before them that reflects a one half mill tax increase from .18 to .68 mills and generates $700,000 in property tax.  He reminded Board members that the Township has made an effort to communicate the financial condition of the Township and potential for a tax increase in both the spring and fall newsletters.  He noted that of three responses, one of them was favorable toward an increase.

Discussion ensued regarding the proposed tax increase, in addition to General Fund expenditures for a feasibility study to determine future building renovation and expansion needs, upgrades of the existing website, and engineering for required amendments to the Storm Water Management Ordinance.  Mr. Youtz reported that there will be continued dialogue with the Fire Company to assess their future needs and the Township’s obligations.  He also noted that the proposed budget does not include any wage increase for non-uniformed employees.

The Board then reviewed the department budgets in detail while Ron Youtz and Sandy Mullin

provided explanations for various line items and how cost savings have occurred.  The following capital expenses were discussed:  (3) PD computer work stations and (2) laptop replacements, in- car printers, and two cruisers at a total cost of $95,054; Contribution of $50,000 to the Fire Company; and $120,000 for Stony Battery Road Phase III Design.  Some consideration was  given to eliminating the purchase of a radar/speed display sign from the Police budget.  Ron Youtz also advised that a new radio system will be implemented in 2012 at a cost of between $65,000 - $75,000.

Board members struggled with an increase in taxes, despite there being no record of past increases since the real estate tax was established.  Anthony Crocamo stated that he found it problematic to raise taxes when the Township would still have reserves through 2011.   Frank Burkhart questioned whether .68 mills would really be enough of an increase.  Ron Youtz advised that one mill was actually necessary to modernize and meet future obligations and to eliminate the repeated practice of using reserves each year to balance the budget.   He explained that an increase to .68 mills would carry the Township through 2011 at which time the Board could revisit the Township’s financial situation and consider a possible fire tax.  He also noted that a proposed 2013 reassessment in Lancaster County may benefit the Township.

The Board once again considered changes to the Sanitation Enforcement Officer’s pay, with the

consensus being that Ron Youtz should meet with Marvin Stoner to see whether he would be interested in billing the Township per inspection versus receiving a set salary.

Other funds were reviewed with the following comments:  York Waste has extended the refuse contract through 2011 with a 2% increase, however, due to reserves, the current billing rate for Township customers will be maintained;  Phase III of the Ironville Sewer Project should be completed in 2011 with final completion of Phase IV to occur in 2012 and with LASA expressing an interest in purchasing the Township’s sewer system;  Purchase of a front-end loader would be made from the allocation permitted for equipment purchases in Liquid Fuels;  No activity is projected for the TDR Fund;  the Street Light Fund will have a small balance at the end of 2010, therefore, no rate increase is proposed and the Fire Hydrant Fund is also solvent for another year. 

Ed Fisher stated his belief that West Hempfield is fortunate to have excellent employees, noting that the number of administrative employees has remained at five throughout his tenure, and that he would like to be able to give them some type of wage increase in appreciation for their work load that is ever increasing. Other Board members agreed that a wage increase of 2% would be appropriate.

There being no further discussion, the Board adjourned at 3:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Ron L. Youtz

Secretary