Board of Supervisors Budget Workshop Meeting

The Board of Supervisors held a budget workshop on October 11, 2023, to review the proposed 2024 Capital Reserve Fund. The Finance Director presented a draft totaling $2,255,316.97, up from the 2023 approved budget of $2,175,548. The Finance Director noted that department heads had prioritized their requests and that the proposals were reasonable, though many needs remained unfunded. The board reviewed line items across all departments. For police, requests included $195,299.97 for vehicles, $80,000 for a digital in-car video system, $80,000 for mobile data terminals, $117,000 for radio infrastructure, and $24,000 for the K-9 program. The fire department sought $79,488 for a service duty truck, $66,000 for portable radios, a $50,000 down payment on a mid-mount ladder truck, and $150,000 for a rescue vehicle. Emergency management requested $10,064 for an unmanned aerial system and $199,563 for a mobile command vehicle. Public works asked for $234,527 in vehicle leases, $8,299 for GPS, $17,247 for major equipment, and $11,240 for signal battery backups. Parks and recreation proposed $85,000 for a master plan update, $16,000 for splash pad improvements, and $7,000 for park amenities. Facilities projects included $84,975 for an amphitheater, $40,000 for Robin Hill HVAC, and $27,890 for public safety building HVAC. Community development requested $60,000 for a comprehensive plan, $54,000 for the community forestry program, $25,000 for demolishing blighted properties, and $100,000 for facilities signage. A supervisor asked about an additional bridge for park connectivity from Brewer Softball Field to Crane; the township manager said it was not a formal request but would be discussed with the public works director. The board also noted a $2,000 increase to the forestry program, to $54,000. No public comment was offered. The meeting adjourned at 6:43 p.m. to executive session. A follow-up workshop on the General Fund was scheduled for October 16.