January 1, 2007

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Copyright 2007, East Rockhill Township, Pennsylvania.  All rights reserved.

New Year’s Message From The Board Of Supervisors

Dear Residents,

 

The second half of 2006 brought many changes to the East Rockhill Township administration.  Most notably, a new Township Manager was hired.

Mrs. Anne W. Klepfer started work in June and was immediately tasked with reviewing the Township’s financial administration procedures and policies. 

 

In September and October the Township went through the most detailed budget preparation process in the history of the Township.  One result was a revamped budget document and the development of goals for long range planning. 

 

The primary area identified for improvement was cash management and the elimination of the practice of borrowing money at the beginning of each year until tax revenues are received.   This practice is necessary because of insufficient cash reserves and was exacerbated by rising oil costs and personnel costs.

 

The process also led to difficult decisions that were necessary to move the Township forward and to continue the delivery of public services in a fashion that residents deserve and to work towards obtainable goals for improvement.

 

Beginning in October and continuing through December with the adoption of the 2007 Budget, the following recommendations were adopted by the Board of Supervisors and were implemented immediately or concurrently with the new fiscal year.

 

¨          Transition to less expansive health, and disability insurance plans for East Rockhill Township Employees.

¨          Establish Fees charged for building and development to cover increased costs of the building inspection and planning administration services.

¨          Transition to a per permit fee based schedule for shared municipal services.

¨          Create a Street Light District and charge a flat fee to property owners living in the neighborhoods serviced by street lights.

¨          Set the general fund real estate tax rate at 4.275 mills.

¨          Set the fire real estate tax rate at 1.00 mills.

 

These decisions were difficult to make but were done so in the belief that they will enable the Township to continue to deliver the public services residents count on and keep up with the rising costs of delivery.   It is our goal to be both pro-active and responsive and to maintain the character and quality of life in East Rockhill Township.

 

 We extend to you our sincere wish for a healthy and happy 2007.

 

EAST ROCKHILL TOWNSHIP

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS