Upper Providence raises taxes in $6.3M budget
UPPER PROVIDENCE >> Council adopted the “Fiscal Year 2020 Financial Plan and Budget” with a 4-0 vote as Councilman Ed McLaughlin was not in attendance. Council had no discussion on the General Fund Budget just under $6.3 million which was unchanged from preliminary approval in November. The budget includes separate Fire Protection and Library funding of about a combined $300,000.
Property owners will have a total millage of 4.235, a .075 mill (1.8 percent) increase. The average assessment of about $237,725, results in a tax of $1,006. The increase for this property is $17.83 per year. As is the township procedure, the tax levy is done through an ordinance with two readings. The board approved the first reading at the December meeting.
The financial plan laid out the objectives for the coming year including repair of Farnum Road; continued upgrades to infrastructure where needed; township building improvement and maintenance ; support of the Rose Tree Volunteer Fire Company and Media-Upper Providence Free Library; and review of township ordinances to reflect current needs.
As is traditionally the case, the police budget of $3.3 million exceeds all other expenditures. Those coming in at over $500,000 include pensions, public works and general administration. Also reflecting the norm, real estate taxes of approximately $3.3 million lead all revenue. Local enabling taxes are $1.3 million.
At the start of the December meeting, council said its farewells to Chairman Timothy Broadhurst. Vice Chairperson Kathy Heupler presented a plaque recognizing Broadhurst’s four years of service on council, but also acknowledged his prior volunteer work and speculated the township may benefit from Broadhurt’s interests in the future.
Fire Marshal Alan Mancill and members of the Rose Tree Fire Co. were on hand to honor John Bruce, recipient of the annual Staci Allen Award. This pre
sentation is made to a volunteer who goes above and beyond their call to duty by visiting schools and educating children during fire prevention month.
Mancill said Bruce and others go to seven schools in the township reaching more than 650 children. This interaction with children can both educate them on fire safety, and assuage some fear on seeing firefighters in full gear. Bruce has been with the Rose Tree Fire Co. for 19 years and served previously served in Upper
Darby.
Company Chief William MacCain thanked council for welcoming personnel to the meeting. In turn Broadhurst thanked the company for their service to the entire community.
Council will hold its reorganization meeting 8 p.m.,