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.
Bob Bergey on 11.18.03 @ 12:57 AM EST [link]
Councilwoman Maria Slowik Announces Resignation
Councilwoman Maria Slowik, representing Ward 3 for the past six years in Perkasie Borough Council, announced Monday evening that she will resign her position on Council effective December 31, 2003. Council will then have 30 days to appoint someone from Ward 3 to fill in her position for the balance of her four-year term ending in December 2005.
I'm really sorry to see Maria leave. While we haven't seen eye to eye on every issue, we've generally worked in the same direction for Perkasie's best interests. She was one of Council's hardest working members, and leaves big shoes to fill. She plans to spend more time with her family, plus a change in her employment makes it very difficult for her to attend meetings and give the citizens of Perkasie the time she believes is required of the position.
Come January, Council will have five new faces -- a majority of Council will be new to the position. Three of the future Councilpersons attended the meeting Monday evening: Jim Liebenow, Joan Handy, and Lee Metzger. Harry McGonigal has yet to attend his first meeting this year.
Bob Bergey on 11.18.03 @ 12:34 AM EST [link]