The Board of Commissioners, on December 14, 2009, approved the 2010 Township Budget. The proposed Operating Budget for 2010 totals
approximately $66,000,000, does not require any layoffs, and will include additional Township services rather than the cuts in service originally proposed. Specifically, the Township will institute a once weekly (Wednesday) yard waste pickup during 2010, for leaves, clippings and other similar items. By having a separate yard waste pickup, we will eliminate taking those items to the County landfill (which charges us for dumping) and can instead compost the materials for use by residents.

Unfortunately, the Budget includes a 4.5 percent tax increase, or $44 for the median home assessed at $160,000, which is less than the increases approved by the County and most neighboring communities. I fought hard to eliminate any tax increases but, unfortunately, the following factors led to the increase:

• 1.8% ($48,000) increase in the Minimum Monthly Obligation (MMO) (pension contributions)
• 3.5% ($73,000) increase in the RHM Sewer expenses
• 4% ($906,000) wage increase for non-uniformed Township workers
• 4% ($295,000) wage increase for uniformed personnel (Police)
• 13% ($616,200) increase in medical benefits for Township employees
• 47% ($158,000) increase in the Delaware County Trash Disposal fee

Meanwhile, the Township still faces large reductions in key revenue items, and expects to see reduced revenues from realty transfer, mercantile and business privilege taxes.