Board of Supervisors Budget Workshop Meeting

The Moon Township Board of Supervisors held a budget workshop on November 20, 2013, beginning with an executive session to meet with special counsel regarding the termination of a police officer. After the public hearing and review of the transcript and adjudication document prepared by the solicitor, the Board voted unanimously to affirm the Township’s decision to terminate the police officer and dismiss his appeal. No public comment was offered on this or any other agenda item. The remainder of the meeting focused on the 2014 draft budget. The Finance Director reviewed remaining budget sections, including Community Development, which combines planning and zoning. New budget items include computers and software for a newly hired engineer and planner, increased staff development for certifications, and a part-time wage line for an intern shared with Parks. Engineering services were discussed and will be adjusted before preliminary adoption. The Parks budget shows a 4.5 percent increase, driven by a truck repair, an electrical upgrade at the amphitheater, and increased legal fees related to a Verizon pole. Salaries in Parks are budgeted 10 percent higher due to two full-time employees and a contract year for Public Works. The Mooncrest Neighborhood budget includes costs for FiOS lines and Duquesne Light pole leases for security cameras. Miscellaneous additions include EOC training and a Safety Committee expense for AED replacement and employee training, which yields workers’ compensation savings. Total budgeted revenues are approximately $12.5 million, with expenditures around $12 million. The Board discussed a potential bond issue, noting that design and architecture costs cannot be included in the bond and must be funded separately. A carry forward of nearly $5 million is available for capital projects, but projects exceed available funds. A supervisor identified the Beaver Grade Road/Montour Run Road signal as a priority. The Finance Director recommended transferring $3 million to capital from the carry forward while maintaining $1 million for potential earned income tax liabilities. The Board acknowledged that a tax rate adjustment may be necessary due to reassessment, which reduced the Township’s revenue by $500,000 in 2013. Staff will evaluate capital requests from department heads. The meeting adjourned.