From the BCCT.
Business administrator gives bleak financial outlook
By RACHEL CANELLI
So far, the New Year has brought no new money to the Neshaminy School District.
A little more than a month after his first public budget report, business administrator Joseph Paradise Tuesday night once again emphasized a bleak forecast with no sign of relief.
Mirroring the dire financial state of the nation as well as businesses and families across the country, Paradise projected that while expenses continue to rise, revenues are flaccid.
Although he did not reveal specific dollar amounts, Paradise said the 2009-10 spending plan is expected to increase by roughly 4.9 percent over the current $163 million working budget. The jump is mostly due to growing health insurance costs and that’s without a new contract for the teachers, officials said.
Revenues, though, including property and business taxes, are down about $2.7 million, Paradise said.
“Revenues are weak to say the least,” he said. “[They’re]...falling through the floor...the faucet kind of stopped a month or two ago. I’m not saying it’s going to be challenging in July — it’s challenging now. We know we’re not going to get rescued in any way shape or form from the state.”
Last year, the board voted to use $3.5 million of the district’s fund balance, or savings account, to balance the budget. That would leave around $1.2 million — if that — to help this year’s so far estimated $14 million hole, according to Paradise.
Neshaminy could see monies from renting the Tawanka Learning Center to the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 and Neshaminy Middle School. Both of those possibilities will be discussed later this month.
The district could see potential savings when the ninth grade moves up to the high school this fall, but it’s too early to tell, said Paradise.
“It’s a work in progress,” Paradise said. “It’s messy at times. We’ve got a lot of work in front of us.”
So far, officials’ suggestions to fill the gap include possibly requiring students to pay for extra curricular activities, and eliminating lead teacher positions.
According to state tax law Act 1, Neshaminy is allowed to raise taxes by 4.1 percent, officials said.
Board member Frank Koziol asked for the public to provide feedback. Administrators will discuss ideas during a meeting next week. Board member Rick Eccles asked that the district implement a hiring freeze, consider an earned wage tax, and ask the bargaining units to voluntarily provide “give-backs.”
Louise Boyd, president of the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers, was present at the meeting, but declined to comment on Eccles’ request.
While the budget data currently remains confidential, the information must be made public on or before Jan. 29, administrators said.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Speed Limit: 4.1%
From the BCCT.
Act 1 limits most districts to 4.1 percent tax hike
School boards have until the end of January to determine whether they need to raise taxes more than their district’s index.
By JOAN HELLYER
Most school districts in Bucks and Eastern Montgomery counties will be allowed to raise property taxes 4.1 percent in the coming school year without seeking voter approval during the May primary.
Act 1, the state’s property tax relief law, includes an index rate for districts to adhere to when imposing property tax increases. Should a school board want to exceed its district’s state-determined index, it has to get voter approval in the primary election. So far that hasn’t happened.
A district’s index is determined by averaging the statewide average weekly wage with employment cost index data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, according to state officials.
Bristol can increase its tax rate 5.3 percent and the Bristol Township tax rate can be increased 5.2 percent before voter approval is needed. All other area districts have to keep their tax increases to 4.1 percent or less.
The 2009-10 index is between threetenths and sixth-tenths of a percent less than the index for the current school year. District officials have cautioned school boards in early budget reviews that the index is likely to go lower in subsequent years.
A former state representative credits the indexes with reigning in increasing property taxes.
Prior to 2006 when Act 1 was established, the average property tax increase statewide was about 5 percent, said David Steil, a former state representative from Lower Makefield.
That average appears to be declining, Steil said.
The former lawmaker sees early indications of benefits from the relatively new tax relief law.
“Districts are more cognizant of how their money is being spent and where the expenditures are,” Steil said.
As has been the case for the past couple of years, Bristol Township officials are suggesting all district expenses can be covered with a tax increase lower than the index rate.
“We budget wisely and tightly,” explained Superintendent Ellen Budman. “We listen to our community and we empathize with all that they are going through during these difficult economic times.”
The Bristol Township school board is set to adopt a resolution next week promising to keep the increase below the index.
But not all area districts are so sure they will be able to stay below their state-determined index. Bristol and Bensalem, for example, are looking for ways to trim their projected tax rate increase, which initially exceeded what is allowed by the state.
School boards have until the end of January to decide if they need to raise taxes above the index. If they don’t, they have to say so in a resolution. If they do need to go above the index, they have to put the referendum on the May 19 ballot.
A point of contention for many taxpayers in recent years has been that a district’s actual tax rate increase can be more than the index when school systems claim exemptions for some expenses. Those exemptions include previously approved contracts and special education costs, according to Act 1.
The exemptions could potentially add one or more percentage points to the rate of increase allowed in a district’s millage rate.
Steil, the former lawmaker, said the exemptions are needed and they are fair.
“You want the school districts to be responsible for what they can control. Those areas [covered by the exemptions] they cannot control,” Steil said.
He said residents tired of property tax increases need to give Act 1 a chance to work at controlling district spending habits.
“I’m very confident if you will look at the average increases in spending in the five years following Act 1 and compare them to the five years preceding Act 1, you will see some significant changes,” Steil said.
Act 1 limits most districts to 4.1 percent tax hike
School boards have until the end of January to determine whether they need to raise taxes more than their district’s index.
By JOAN HELLYER
Most school districts in Bucks and Eastern Montgomery counties will be allowed to raise property taxes 4.1 percent in the coming school year without seeking voter approval during the May primary.
Act 1, the state’s property tax relief law, includes an index rate for districts to adhere to when imposing property tax increases. Should a school board want to exceed its district’s state-determined index, it has to get voter approval in the primary election. So far that hasn’t happened.
A district’s index is determined by averaging the statewide average weekly wage with employment cost index data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, according to state officials.
Bristol can increase its tax rate 5.3 percent and the Bristol Township tax rate can be increased 5.2 percent before voter approval is needed. All other area districts have to keep their tax increases to 4.1 percent or less.
The 2009-10 index is between threetenths and sixth-tenths of a percent less than the index for the current school year. District officials have cautioned school boards in early budget reviews that the index is likely to go lower in subsequent years.
A former state representative credits the indexes with reigning in increasing property taxes.
Prior to 2006 when Act 1 was established, the average property tax increase statewide was about 5 percent, said David Steil, a former state representative from Lower Makefield.
That average appears to be declining, Steil said.
The former lawmaker sees early indications of benefits from the relatively new tax relief law.
“Districts are more cognizant of how their money is being spent and where the expenditures are,” Steil said.
As has been the case for the past couple of years, Bristol Township officials are suggesting all district expenses can be covered with a tax increase lower than the index rate.
“We budget wisely and tightly,” explained Superintendent Ellen Budman. “We listen to our community and we empathize with all that they are going through during these difficult economic times.”
The Bristol Township school board is set to adopt a resolution next week promising to keep the increase below the index.
But not all area districts are so sure they will be able to stay below their state-determined index. Bristol and Bensalem, for example, are looking for ways to trim their projected tax rate increase, which initially exceeded what is allowed by the state.
School boards have until the end of January to decide if they need to raise taxes above the index. If they don’t, they have to say so in a resolution. If they do need to go above the index, they have to put the referendum on the May 19 ballot.
A point of contention for many taxpayers in recent years has been that a district’s actual tax rate increase can be more than the index when school systems claim exemptions for some expenses. Those exemptions include previously approved contracts and special education costs, according to Act 1.
The exemptions could potentially add one or more percentage points to the rate of increase allowed in a district’s millage rate.
Steil, the former lawmaker, said the exemptions are needed and they are fair.
“You want the school districts to be responsible for what they can control. Those areas [covered by the exemptions] they cannot control,” Steil said.
He said residents tired of property tax increases need to give Act 1 a chance to work at controlling district spending habits.
“I’m very confident if you will look at the average increases in spending in the five years following Act 1 and compare them to the five years preceding Act 1, you will see some significant changes,” Steil said.
Renovation Blues
From the BCCT.
Some little elementary school, built in 1957, last renovated in 1972, needs to bring the renovation bids under $8 million. For one school? Eight million?
Please! Come to Morrisville! See the Emperor in action! He can renovate a whole DISTRICT for that kind of money. He knows people...
District hopes second round of renovation bids is better
By: AMANDA CREGAN
Tinicum Elementary officials are hoping the price to renovate will be cheaper now.
More contractors are looking for work, and it may just help taxpayers' bottom line.
Palisades School District officials are hoping for better estimates and more of them as they collect new bids for a complete building renovation of Tinicum Elementary.
When the district first advertised the work in April, only one contractor responded, and his bid was $3 million more than the school's $8.1 million estimate. Board members voted against it.
The school has put out a call in the new year for another round of contractor bids for Tinicum building renovations, which include a four-classroom addition and energy-efficient, geothermal heating and air-conditioning improvements.
Palisades facilities manager Dave Keppel is already optimistic.
"There seems to be a lot of interest in the job," he said. "We're just hoping to get a better response from contractors, and with that hopefully better prices."
Built in 1957, Tinicum Elementary houses 256 students from kindergarten through fifth grade.
The Pipersville school hasn't seen any major renovations since 1972, said Keppel.
Contractors' sealed bids are due by Jan. 29, and the school board will later vote to accept the best estimate.
This time around, competitive costs will prove even more crucial as homeowners in the Palisades district are already looking at a nearly $200 tax increase in the 2009-10 school year.
The school board unanimously passed its preliminary budget last week.
The district is facing about a $268,000 drop in revenue, mostly due to a $1 million increase in expenditures and a decrease in real estate transfer taxes.
Palisades' current tax rate is set at 100 mills, but a new rate of 109.894 is needed to cover next year's spending plan.
A mill is a tax of $1 on every $1,000 of a property assessed value.
Under Act 1, which limits how much Pennsylvania schools can raise taxes, Palisades may only increase its mill rate to 104.100.
But with a school construction exception, that rate could be as high as 105.616 mills or a $191 increase for the average homeowner next year.
Some little elementary school, built in 1957, last renovated in 1972, needs to bring the renovation bids under $8 million. For one school? Eight million?
Please! Come to Morrisville! See the Emperor in action! He can renovate a whole DISTRICT for that kind of money. He knows people...
District hopes second round of renovation bids is better
By: AMANDA CREGAN
Tinicum Elementary officials are hoping the price to renovate will be cheaper now.
More contractors are looking for work, and it may just help taxpayers' bottom line.
Palisades School District officials are hoping for better estimates and more of them as they collect new bids for a complete building renovation of Tinicum Elementary.
When the district first advertised the work in April, only one contractor responded, and his bid was $3 million more than the school's $8.1 million estimate. Board members voted against it.
The school has put out a call in the new year for another round of contractor bids for Tinicum building renovations, which include a four-classroom addition and energy-efficient, geothermal heating and air-conditioning improvements.
Palisades facilities manager Dave Keppel is already optimistic.
"There seems to be a lot of interest in the job," he said. "We're just hoping to get a better response from contractors, and with that hopefully better prices."
Built in 1957, Tinicum Elementary houses 256 students from kindergarten through fifth grade.
The Pipersville school hasn't seen any major renovations since 1972, said Keppel.
Contractors' sealed bids are due by Jan. 29, and the school board will later vote to accept the best estimate.
This time around, competitive costs will prove even more crucial as homeowners in the Palisades district are already looking at a nearly $200 tax increase in the 2009-10 school year.
The school board unanimously passed its preliminary budget last week.
The district is facing about a $268,000 drop in revenue, mostly due to a $1 million increase in expenditures and a decrease in real estate transfer taxes.
Palisades' current tax rate is set at 100 mills, but a new rate of 109.894 is needed to cover next year's spending plan.
A mill is a tax of $1 on every $1,000 of a property assessed value.
Under Act 1, which limits how much Pennsylvania schools can raise taxes, Palisades may only increase its mill rate to 104.100.
But with a school construction exception, that rate could be as high as 105.616 mills or a $191 increase for the average homeowner next year.
Four trees; No waiting
From buckslocalnews.com
Does anyone have anything to say about the idea of a dog park in Morrisville? With the financial situation Morrisville is facing, I'd rather see a revenue producing land use. It's going to be placed on dedicated open space, so there was never a chance to have it be revenue producing.
A dog park is a great amenity. New business that didn't involve fingernails or tobacco products would be a great amenity too.
The story mentions that the borough council supports the idea. What revenue producing land uses are they supporting?
< >
Hear that? That's the sounds of silence. Remember this in May at primary time.
Morrisville Borough looks into creating dog park
By Petra Chesner Schlatter; Posted on Wed, Jan 7, 2009
About 50 Morrisville Borough residents have come up with a plan to create a fenced-in dog park, which would be located at the corner of Philadelphia and Delmorr avenues.
There's a growing trend for communities to have their own dog parks, according to Ellen Stevie, the coordinator of the project. Stevie noted there are dog parks in Falls Township, Mercer County, N.J., and Horsham.
She said the Friends of the Morrisville Dog Park Committee held its first meeting this week. The group was formed to raise money and solicit funding from area businesses.
The first fundraiser will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at "Four Paws," a doggie day care on the Snipes Farm in Morrisville. Stevie describes the center as a place where your dog can run around for an hour on a cold day.
Participants also can have their dog "microchipped" for $30. The identification chip is placed under the dog's skin in case the animal runs away or gets lost.
In addition, there will be a dog wash and dry. According to Stevie, donations will be taken for the service. Volunteers are needed for the Jan. 18 event.
Stevie first proposed the idea of a dog park four months ago to Morrisville Borough Council and has had their support. The land under consideration was owned by the fire company before the borough purchased it as open space. Located south of Bridge Street about a half-mile from Williamson Park, the site is near the railroad tracks and across from the river.
"It's a win-win situation," Stevie said. "This is privately funded. We're raising all the money. "We're adding an amenity to the town."
Once established, there will be a pen for dogs 35 pounds and under. Any dog above 35 pounds will go in another pen. Rules will be posted, such as "Tend your dog" or "If anything gets out of hand, remove your dog."
The pens will measure approximately 100 feet by 100 feet and 80 feet by 80 feet.
"We need to raise about $12,000 to buy the fencing," Stevie said, "The town has committed to the signage and to maintain the land."
Nancy Sherlock, Morrisville Borough Council president, said she went to the recent grand opening of the dog park in Falls Township. Describing the park as "very nice," Sherlock said she considers a dog park "another amenity for the borough."
Sherlock indicated Stevie's group is "willing to work with us and they're not looking for a handout."
Benches and trees will be added to the riverside site. "We'll make it a place where people can go," Stevie explained." If you own a dog, you have to walk every day."
The dog park would be "good for the dogs physically and socially the dog owners get to socialize, enjoy a cup of coffee and talk to one-another," she asserted.
Morrisville's Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) is also involved in the planning because the land is part of the borough's open space. Council is slated to adopt a resolution about the dog park at its Jan. 13 meeting.
"I see it as a collaborative effort," she added.
Bill Setzer, EAC chairman, said his group will make a recommendation to borough council about the proposed parcel, which he described as "sizeable."
"It's our responsibility as the EAC to look at any issues that involve open space in the borough," he said. "That's why we invited them to our meeting."
According to Setzer, the borough will not be responsible for cleaning up after the dogs.
Meanwhile, Stevie, who has lived in Morrisville for 22 years, said, "It's a great town with a lot of great people." Since she got Yogi, a year-old golden doodle, Stevie has met many more people while she has been outside walking her dog.
According to Stevie, she feels "a real kinship" with her fellow dog owners. "I have come across a lot people who are dog owners) especially since this dog park idea came along," she noted.
Stevie said she would not have met as many people as she has were it not for walking her dog and talking about the dog park project.
"If we have a place to commune in the morning or evening, it's even better. You start seeing the same people," she said.
Of course, Yogi is an important character in Stevie's life. "It's all about Yogi now. I don't have any children. He's my child now," explained Stevie, who drove to Virginia, just to get Yogi.
"When you decide to get a dog you need to be aware of the commitment," she indicated. "That means the dog needs exercise." Walking Yogi means setting aside 1 1/2 to 2 hours of her day, making sure that happens for him."
Walking a dog is "absolutely" a bonding experience for the pet owner and the dog, Stevie concluded.
To donate, make checks payable to Morrisville Borough. In the memo section, put "for dog park." Checks should be mailed c/o Ellen Stevie, 421 North Pennsylvania Ave, Morrisville, PA 19067
Anyone interested in volunteering for the Doggie Wash fundraiser at Four Paws on the Snipes property in Morrisville can call Stevie on her cell phone: 215-630-0115. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 18.
Does anyone have anything to say about the idea of a dog park in Morrisville? With the financial situation Morrisville is facing, I'd rather see a revenue producing land use. It's going to be placed on dedicated open space, so there was never a chance to have it be revenue producing.
A dog park is a great amenity. New business that didn't involve fingernails or tobacco products would be a great amenity too.
The story mentions that the borough council supports the idea. What revenue producing land uses are they supporting?
< >
Hear that? That's the sounds of silence. Remember this in May at primary time.
Morrisville Borough looks into creating dog park
By Petra Chesner Schlatter; Posted on Wed, Jan 7, 2009
About 50 Morrisville Borough residents have come up with a plan to create a fenced-in dog park, which would be located at the corner of Philadelphia and Delmorr avenues.
There's a growing trend for communities to have their own dog parks, according to Ellen Stevie, the coordinator of the project. Stevie noted there are dog parks in Falls Township, Mercer County, N.J., and Horsham.
She said the Friends of the Morrisville Dog Park Committee held its first meeting this week. The group was formed to raise money and solicit funding from area businesses.
The first fundraiser will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at "Four Paws," a doggie day care on the Snipes Farm in Morrisville. Stevie describes the center as a place where your dog can run around for an hour on a cold day.
Participants also can have their dog "microchipped" for $30. The identification chip is placed under the dog's skin in case the animal runs away or gets lost.
In addition, there will be a dog wash and dry. According to Stevie, donations will be taken for the service. Volunteers are needed for the Jan. 18 event.
Stevie first proposed the idea of a dog park four months ago to Morrisville Borough Council and has had their support. The land under consideration was owned by the fire company before the borough purchased it as open space. Located south of Bridge Street about a half-mile from Williamson Park, the site is near the railroad tracks and across from the river.
"It's a win-win situation," Stevie said. "This is privately funded. We're raising all the money. "We're adding an amenity to the town."
Once established, there will be a pen for dogs 35 pounds and under. Any dog above 35 pounds will go in another pen. Rules will be posted, such as "Tend your dog" or "If anything gets out of hand, remove your dog."
The pens will measure approximately 100 feet by 100 feet and 80 feet by 80 feet.
"We need to raise about $12,000 to buy the fencing," Stevie said, "The town has committed to the signage and to maintain the land."
Nancy Sherlock, Morrisville Borough Council president, said she went to the recent grand opening of the dog park in Falls Township. Describing the park as "very nice," Sherlock said she considers a dog park "another amenity for the borough."
Sherlock indicated Stevie's group is "willing to work with us and they're not looking for a handout."
Benches and trees will be added to the riverside site. "We'll make it a place where people can go," Stevie explained." If you own a dog, you have to walk every day."
The dog park would be "good for the dogs physically and socially the dog owners get to socialize, enjoy a cup of coffee and talk to one-another," she asserted.
Morrisville's Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) is also involved in the planning because the land is part of the borough's open space. Council is slated to adopt a resolution about the dog park at its Jan. 13 meeting.
"I see it as a collaborative effort," she added.
Bill Setzer, EAC chairman, said his group will make a recommendation to borough council about the proposed parcel, which he described as "sizeable."
"It's our responsibility as the EAC to look at any issues that involve open space in the borough," he said. "That's why we invited them to our meeting."
According to Setzer, the borough will not be responsible for cleaning up after the dogs.
Meanwhile, Stevie, who has lived in Morrisville for 22 years, said, "It's a great town with a lot of great people." Since she got Yogi, a year-old golden doodle, Stevie has met many more people while she has been outside walking her dog.
According to Stevie, she feels "a real kinship" with her fellow dog owners. "I have come across a lot people who are dog owners) especially since this dog park idea came along," she noted.
Stevie said she would not have met as many people as she has were it not for walking her dog and talking about the dog park project.
"If we have a place to commune in the morning or evening, it's even better. You start seeing the same people," she said.
Of course, Yogi is an important character in Stevie's life. "It's all about Yogi now. I don't have any children. He's my child now," explained Stevie, who drove to Virginia, just to get Yogi.
"When you decide to get a dog you need to be aware of the commitment," she indicated. "That means the dog needs exercise." Walking Yogi means setting aside 1 1/2 to 2 hours of her day, making sure that happens for him."
Walking a dog is "absolutely" a bonding experience for the pet owner and the dog, Stevie concluded.
To donate, make checks payable to Morrisville Borough. In the memo section, put "for dog park." Checks should be mailed c/o Ellen Stevie, 421 North Pennsylvania Ave, Morrisville, PA 19067
Anyone interested in volunteering for the Doggie Wash fundraiser at Four Paws on the Snipes property in Morrisville can call Stevie on her cell phone: 215-630-0115. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 18.
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