News Winter 2017
2017 Budget Adopted Without Tax Increase At the December 1, 2016 public meeting, the Board of Supervisors adopted the Township's 2017 budget. We are pleased to announce that the budget is adopted without a real estate tax millage increase. The Board of Supervisors thanked the staff for presenting a responsible spending plan for 2017 that provides quality services to our residents. The following are some highlights: Lower Providence Township is projecting to end 2016 with a surplus of $216,251 in the General Fund, versus the budgeted deficit of -$306,931. Key areas that contributed to the year-end surplus were higher than budgeted receipts from the earned income taxes and real estate transfer taxes. 2016 represents the fifth consecutive year that the Township has realized a surplus in the General Fund. This is due to a conscientious effort to monitor the revenues and expenditures throughout the entire year and get the most from our resources. The $10,271,360 2017 General Fund Operating Budget includes a 2.73 percent increase in expenditures but with no associated tax increase for residents. The annual real estate tax bill for a homeowner with an average assessment of $167,402 is $295.82. The slight increase in expenditures is primarily due to contractual wage increases for police and non-uniformed personnel. Other Township expenditures have remained relatively steady for administration, finance, tax collection, legal, energy, engineering, community development, pension contributions, and commercial insurance.
The estimated revenue of $5,400,000 from earned income taxes for 2017 represents an increase over the projected 2016 year-end amount of $5,300,000. Although real estate transfer taxes are challenging to project, the budgeted amount of $475,000 for 2017 is $95,000 more than the 2016 budgeted amount of $380,000. Historic trends and estimates from the tax collector support the increase in these revenue categories for 2017.
General Fund ......................................$10,271,360 Library Fund.............................................$557,345 Highway Improvement Capital Reserve ....................................$732,090 Debt Service Fund ...................................$639,619 Liquid Fuels Funded Loans.......................$194,064 Capital Projects Fund...............................$315,280 Parks and Recreation Operating Fund ....................................$901,670 Parks and Recreation Capital Fund..........$111,000 Highway Aid Fund.................................$1,034,083 Unrestricted Capital Fund ........................$146,800 Tree Fund.....................................................$6,000 Self Insurance Fund ...................................$39,601 Equipment Replacement Fund ....................$5,000 ========== Total All Funds..................................$14,953,912
Even without a real estate tax increase, the Township is still able to invest in capital improvements. The 2017 budget includes investments in technology upgrades, website redesign, radio equipment upgrades, new police vehicles and a public works backhoe. Beginning in 2017, the Township will also be in a financial position to fund road reconstruction projects from the annual Highway Aid/Liquid Fuels revenue without the need to secure financing for them. This will now allow for a systematic approach to maintaining the township's critical infrastructure. Lower Providence Township is in a strong financial position as we enter 2017 based
Inside This Issue
Contact Information ...........................2 New Township Manager .....................2 Business Forum ..................................4 Business Association Formation..........5 Development Projects ........................6 Do I Need A Permit .............................7 Fire Safety R.A.C.E ..............................8 Police Department News ...............9-11
2017 Budget Summary
Library News & Programs.............12-13 Sewer Authority News ......................14 Stormwater & Snow Melt .................15 Winter Weather Tips.........................16 Public Works Snow Removal.............17 Student Representative Needed........18 Parks & Recreation News.............19-22
upon sound fiscal policies and transparent practices. With this positive financial position, the Township moves forward with a strong commitment to providing excellent services and programs for our residents, providing for a safe and enjoyable community to live, and proactively supporting our business community.
We're Open for Business If you're looking for a home for your business, there's no better place than Lower Providence Township. You'll have access to major highways and a skilled workforce and be part of a great community. We have the tools and resources to meet your needs and our professional team is ready to help. If you are starting a business, relocating or expanding, let us show you what Lower Providence Township has to o f f e r. C o n t a c t B i l l R o t h , broth@lowerprovidence.org, 610-635-3519.
Lower Providence Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania • www.lowerprovidence.org