Board of Supervisors Budget Meeting No. 3

The Moon Township Board of Supervisors held its third budget meeting on October 13, 2025, focusing on the 2026 draft capital budget. After a public comment from a resident regarding IT security, the assistant township manager reported that a new IT director was hired about a year ago, security systems were improved through an enhancement project, and all employees are undergoing security training. The finance director then led a detailed department-by-department review of 51 proposed capital projects totaling $6,268,732.92, including a $1,680,000 road program. The board voted to prioritize and budget for numerous projects: Engineering projects including West End Steps ($90,240), SAC-ADA Doors ($26,400), University Blvd./Beaver Grade Sidewalks ($770,000), Pine Drive Stabilization ($300,000), Library/Police ADA Doors ($45,000, fully grant-funded), Moon Park Barn Improvements ($12,000), Pickleball Courts ($100,000), and Boggs Fire Station Waterline Facility Upfitting ($85,000). They declined to budget for the Amphitheater, Moon Park Office Improvements, Robin Hill Carriage House Improvements, Moon Dog Park Phase 2, Soccer Field Lighting, and Design for Barn Improvements. Community Development projects prioritized included the Comp Plan Update ($70,000, contractual), Community Forestry Program ($54,000), and Facilities Signage ($30,000). Parks & Recreation prioritized Moon Park Office Improvements ($4,000), a new ice maker and filter system ($2,500), and parks signage ($5,000), but declined Olson Park Pavilion and did not prioritize lights for pickleball courts or new tables and chairs. Police prioritized vehicles ($162,768) and intersection cameras ($35,000). Emergency Management prioritized a multiple event response trailer ($40,500, lease) and portable generators ($5,000). Public Works Road prioritized vehicle leases ($92,435.76), a wheel loader ($50,000, possibly using Liquid Fuels), a tracked mower ($131,550), a skidsteer ($22,500), and two dump trucks with spreaders ($237,600). Public Works Parks prioritized a Cushman Truckster ($45,084) and composite picnic tables ($20,000). Public Works Facilities prioritized tennis court crack repair ($9,865), a backflow preventer ($7,245), exterior doors for Robin Hill ($17,000), a manlift ($15,000), and a forced air heating unit ($26,290). The Moon Township Volunteer Fire Company had seven projects totaling $140,002.44; the board prioritized a router system upgrade ($15,000), gear washer plumbing ($15,000), dayroom renovations ($20,000), a concrete pad for a training prop ($20,000, with a grant for the prop), and portable radios ($43,002.44), but required requotes for garage door window film and ceiling fans. The finance director reported the total prioritized projects cost $3.3 million, with a projected year-end fund balance of $9.5 million. The finance director discussed a potential 1-mill tax increase (from 2.74 to 3.74 mills) that would generate $2.3 million, with .29 mills dedicated to a long-term fire vehicle apparatus program. The board agreed to hire public works employees on an as-needed basis and removed the request for a new building inspector. The next budget meeting is scheduled for October 20, 2025, to review the five-year outlook and other funds.