Board of Supervisors Budget Workshop Meeting

The Moon Township Board of Supervisors held a budget workshop on October 30, 2017, to review the 2018 General Fund. The Finance Director presented a detailed revenue and expenditure overview. Total projected General Fund revenues for 2018 are $15,213,772, a 7.7% increase, driven largely by a 7.2% rise in real estate taxes to $5,995,178 and a 15% jump in enabling taxes to $6,653,500, which now incorporates the Local Services Tax. The board discussed increases in cable TV franchise fees, interest earnings, and recreational programming revenue. On the expenditure side, total General Fund spending is budgeted at $15,535,572.56, an 8% decrease. Notable increases include a 1,116% rise in general government expenses to $256,000, attributed to higher legal and advertising costs, and a 34.7% increase in the Recreation-Programming Department to $467,927. The new Community Engagement Department was added with a $100,851 budget. The board approved adding a $3,000 line item for ACT 172 fire department expenses and agreed to increase the Mooncrest events line item from $2,500 to $7,500. The Police Department budget rose 5.5% to $5,722,222, and Public Works increased 10.5% to $2,587,802, including funding for two new hires. With an estimated beginning fund balance of $4,894,394.52, the township projects $4,572,593.96 in unallocated funds. The township manager recommended keeping 15% in reserve and transferring the remainder to the Capital Fund for future projects. During public comment, the Chairman addressed a formal noise complaint from a resident regarding a high-pitched noise from York Town Hall, increased airport noise after a hill was lowered for the Hilton Garden Inn, and cut-through traffic from the new Walmart. A supervisor suggested a written response. The township manager also noted a resident complaint about the elected tax collector’s office, and the Chairman recommended the tax collector respond directly. The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.