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11/18/2003: "2004 Preliminary Budget Adopted"

It took some effort, but after some serious discussion and three different motions, Perkasie Borough Council adopted the 2004 Preliminary Budget on Monday evening by a 5-3 vote (Hettel, Burke, and Moser opposing). The budget now becomes a public document for public discussion and comments, and will be officially adopted as the 2004 budget at the December 15th Council meeting, along with any final changes made at that time.

The preliminary budget shows total revenues of $9,221,926 and expenses of $9,287,664. The revenue shortfall of $65,738 will be taken from Perkasie's $4.1 million accumulated fund reserves. The budget is available for inspection at the Borough Hall, and will be available on Perkasie Borough's official Web site (I'll post a link here, directly to the budget, when I know it's online). By law, the preliminary budget must be available for inspection and comment at least ten days before a final budget can be adopted. In addition, the new Borough Council in January will have the option of reopening budget discussions and making any additional changes they wish.

In other Council action Monday evening, the Borough will ask Pennsylvania DOT to lower the speed limit on Market Street between Ridge Road and the railroad tracks to 25 MPH, in keeping with the Police Chief's recommendation and following a number of complaints of speeding in that area. Council passed the motion 6-2, with Hettel and Burke opposing.