Springfield, Swarthmore won’t raise taxes in 2019

SWARTHMORE >> Council approved the advertisement of the proposed 2019 budget, approximately $5.2 million for all operating funds. For at least the last four years, there has no change to property tax rates. The total of

5.673 mills equates to $1,418 for the average assessed property of

$250,000, bringing in real estate revenue of $2.15 million.

Sanitary sewer fees remain at

$7.10 per one thousand gallons of water used, projecting revenue of $980,000. As is expected to be the case across the county, the borough will increase the fee for collection and disposal of solid waste (trash and recycling). That rate will increase $25 to $385 annually per household, and reflects a 61 percent increase in charges from the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority. Trash fees are the third highest in the revenue stream, totaling $563,000.

Police services lead expenditures at nearly $1.9 million for personnel and associated costs. Expenses of $314,143 for fire protection bring public safety expenses to $2.2 million. Sanitary sewer and solid waste collection combined are $1.5 million, and covered by collected fees.

In the process of the motion for advertisement, borough Manager Jane Billings said the borough did not yet have final figures for the police budget and Central Delaware County Authority (CDCA) for water treatment. Solicitor Robert Scott said it was acceptable to use the realistic estimates, and that adjustments could be made with adoption in December without needing to re-advertise.

In a separate matter, but related to fire protection costs, council approved sending a letter of intent for fire and emergency services technical assistance. Council Vice President Mary Walk said the letter responds to an offer by the commonwealth’s Department of Community and Economic Development, via the Center for Local Government Service, to study the current status of the borough fire company’s apparatus and personnel, as well as the possibility of a merger or consolidation with nearby fire companies. Walk noted this is at no cost to the borough.

Throughout the state and beyond, fire companies and emergency medical responders are facing challenges due to fewer volunteers. Many see the need to hire staff critical to answering calls. The borough’s 2019 budget calls for a contribution to the fire company of $240,000, which is “match” to a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant from FEMA. Recognizing grant limits, and discussing needs every year, the borough sees such a study as valuable information to move forward.

The proposed budget can be found on the borough’s website, and is expected to be up for final adoption at the December meeting (see website for the date.)