BOS Approves Publication of Preliminary 2018 Budget

On November 21, 2017, the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors (BOS) approved the publication of the Preliminary 2018 Budget. You can find a PDF version of this budget here.

The budget does NOT include a 2 mill property tax increase for the general fund proposed in the version presented to the BOS on 16 October 2017 by Township Manager, Kurt Ferguson (read "Newtown Township Manager Proposes Tax Increase").

It does include, however, a 0.45 mill new tax specifically earmarked for the ambulance squad and a 0.55 mill new tax specifically for fire hydrant maintenance.

The estimated new income from these taxes is $147,239 and $185,000, respectively. In the previous version, these expenses were paid through the general fund. By implementing new taxes to cover these expenses the Township will save approximately $305,000 (previously, $120,000 from the general fund was allocated to the Ambulance Squad and $185,000 for fire hydrants).

Note that with the new tax, the ambulance squad will receive approximately $27,000 in additional funding to cover increasing expenses due to increased call volume. It will also help the squad maintain staff with competitive salaries. The Squad had sought a 0.5 mill tax increase to cover these expenses. For more about that, read “Newtown Ambulance Squad Seeks Additional Funding”.

BOS Approves Publication of Preliminary 2018 Budget

October 17, 2017, Budget Meeting Video