Upper Darby takes questions on 2019 budget
UPPER DARBY >> Residents sought clarification and offered suggestions for the proposed 2019 budget at the second of two recent hearings before township council.
Mayor Thomas Micozzie presented next year’s budget in October for township council’s review.
Micozzie credited curtailed spending and innovative options and programs to increased revenue in the
$80.2 million no-tax-increase budget.
A homeowner with a
$108,000 average assessment will pay $2,262 next year, the same amount as this year.
Gerald Harrison, of South Kirklyn Avenue, who previously asked for and received a line-item detail of the sinking-fund dating from 2016 to 2019, asked for additional info.
“I’m trying to narrow it down,” Harrison said. “What I’m interested in is the $18 million bond issue, what it’s for, what remains, the payment schedule and the current status. I want to see if I can figure it out. I can’t tell what’s what.”
Peggy Bradin Wilson, of Drexel Avenue, expressed her concern about the status of the police budget.
“I’m concerned because you are not funding what the police department needs,” Wilson said.
Finance Director John McMullan explained the officers who will be retiring receive a higher pay than the new officers will receive.
“The police budget is increasing up to $2 million,” McMullan said.
According to the budget document, the 2018 police budget of $30.6 million is increasing to $31.2 million in 2019.
Officials will vote on next year’s budget at the Dec. 5 council meeting.
In other business, Seventh District Councilwoman Sekela Coles extended her gratitude to everyone and praised the fire department after a tragedy in her home.
Coles announced an Oct. 20 fire that occurred in the middle of the night destroyed her house on Bradford Road.
“Many people in this room offered support with their thoughts and prayers,” Coles said.
“I want to thank the Upper Darby Fire Department. It was very scary and very traumatic. Despite the emotional state I was in I was able to see the Upper Darby Fire Department at its finest. They were very professional, especially when they delivered the news my cat passed.”
Coles’ 12 year old cat, Egypt, was found dead by firefighters.
“I’m sorry,” Coles said. “I’m going to miss her.”
According to Coles, she and her son were asleep and the only two at home when the alarm sounded. “We are alive,” Coles said. Coles and her two children have been staying with relatives since the fire.
In other business, Micozzie announced the Christmas Tree Lighting will be 6:30 P.M. Dec. 3 at the Tower Theater, 69th and Ludlow streets.
The hour long event features the Beverly Hills Middle School Choir, the Drexel Hill Middle School Girls Ensemble, Orchestra and Singing Hawks, the St. Andrew School Band, the St. Laurence School Choir and Stonehurst School Select Singers and of course Santa Claus.