What is $1 worth to you?

It is just not understandable how public safety can take a backseat to curbs and other pretty amenities, when for a single dollar our security and those who provide that safety can be improved. Read on to see just how much $1 per household got to Commissioner Romaniello. Keep in mind, no where did she say she was willing to reduce the budget on her project at the park, just not fund the improvements to the infrastructure that we seriously need. I don't get it, maybe someone can explain it to me.

Funding gets nod for Willow Grove projects
By: Jesse Reilly, Staff Writer

Upper Moreland Township's Finance and Administrative Committee decided Monday night to move forward with a bond issue that would allow the township to finish projects that have been in the works for several years.

The committee voted 2-0 to set the amount of the bond at $3.25 million, approximately a quarter-million more than what was discussed at last month's meeting. Commissioner James McKenna did not vote, saying he disagreed with the amount of the bond. Robert Jones of Saul Ewing was named to serve as bond counsel and Public Finance Management to be the primary consultant. A final vote on the bond issue must be approved by the full board May 5.The bond will pay for the completion of War Memorial Park Drive, a $2.5 million project, as well as a streetscaping project and renovations to the police department and township building.

Much like last month's meeting commissioners disagreed regarding the bond amount and the work being tackled, but board President Stacey Efkowitz said the projects needed to be completed. "There is an urgency to these projects," she said. "Several years ago we were slashing things out of the budget because we were so focused on a zero tax increase that we may have overlooked critical issues. No one wants to see a tax increase when we're looking at a recession but it's better to do it now rather than later."

According to Assistant Township Manager John Crawford, if the township borrowed $3 million dollars, a resident with a property assessed at $150,000 could expect a tax increase of $15. Borrowing a quarter of a million more, a move Crawford recommended, would raises taxes another $1. The increase would begin in 2009 and be in effect until 2016, he added. "We are talking about $1 per year per resident," Crawford said. "The best financial analysis is to borrow more money to ensure that the projects are able to be completed."The issue of a tax increase was also a source of conflict. "It's no time to be cavalier when families are taking such a hit," McKenna said. "With lower wages and a higher cost living we have to be fiscally responsible."

Commissioner Lisa Romanillo echoed McKenna's concerns. "It's time to tighten our belts, not a time to haphazardly tack on large sums of money," she said. She added that she thought it would be better if the township focused solely on completing War Memorial Park Drive and cutting costs from $3.25 to $2.5 million. (I would think that Public Safety for the 25,000+ residents and our police officers would be a priority along with Granite Curbs and Fountains... )

Township Manager David Doodies warned commissioners that they had to account for unexpected costs. "We may be dealing with design modifications and because we are working with a road adjacent to a creek [that] could cause construction problems," he said. "We want to make sure the project is fully funded."Although Commissioner Kevin Spearing agreed that some of the projects were not on the top of his list, he was comfortable with the monetary amount. "I think we need to prioritize," he said. "I am content with the number but I'd like to re-look at issues and decide what is most important."

Commissioners Samuel Valenza and Joseph Lavalle also said they were content with the number. "I think we should move forward with the bond as it is presented," Valenza said. Upper Moreland police Chief Thomas Nestel agreed and said the projects were a long time coming. "All renovations to the police department are necessary," he said. "Video enhancements will reduce our liability, false claims and lawsuits. They will also reduce court costs for drunk driving and disorderly conduct if there are cameras in our booking area because they will catch people acting in the same way they were when we picked them up."He added that the renovations will also help the police department become accredited by the state, which will help them with future grants. "It is an investment," he said.

The concept of investment was also addressed by advisory planning agency Vice Chairman Jonathon de Jonge, who urged commissioners to look to the future. "We have to borrow the larger number to send the message to developers that we are ready for redevelopment. There will be a return, so go for it," he said. "If you want to sabotage redevelopment then go with the lower number because that will just show people that we are not ready."

Romaniello disagreed (surprise surprise) with de Jonge and said there were other funds available. She said the township has two outstanding grants totaling approximately $600,000 that could decrease the cost of the bond and finance the projects. Crawford said that money was already being used. "We have $300,000 from the county for construction secured and $294,000 from U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz for construction," he said. According to township Solicitor Kate Harper, the money is already allocated. "We are using that money to acquire properties at 135 and 139 Old York Road, currently H & R Block and Avis, to be able to complete construction," she said. At last month's meeting, Efkowitz said she hopes the closing of the bond and construction will begin in tandem over the summer, but no decisions can be made until the full board of commissioners votes on the issue May 5.