Pottstown Talks Budget Cuts, Classical Music And Land Development

Changes are required.

That was the underlying message Wednesday in a presentation of Pottstown's preliminary -- roughly $38 million -- budget for fiscal year 2012.

Like municipalities across the U.S. in this troubled economy, faces a predictable decline in property assessments and increased expenses for necessities.

"How do we moving forward," said .

The borough's general fund includes a roughly $580,000 shortfall, he said.

Pottstown's property values dropped from $818 million to $816 million and put the borough about $1.3 million short of revenue.

Details discussed in the early budget plan include an overhaul of the borough's street lighting to make it more efficient, whether to keep paying a $12,000 per year increase to maintain a parks and recreation community center and an enhanced recycling program to offset trash collection costs.

Areas of revenue for the borough include roughly $55,000 a year in collected parking fees.

The staff does not recommend a water or sewer rate increase but will suggest the Pottstown Borough Authority allocate a cash reserve for maintenance, Bobst said. 

The heaviest part of the budget talk involved the future of Pottstown Community Television.

The station's revenues don't cover its expenses, Bobst said of a $513,000 deficit as of October 31.

PCTV has a declining viewership base, Bobst said. 

Another aspect of the troubled economy is the reduction of cable customers, Bobst said. Many local families today consider cable a luxury that can be cut from the budget, he said.

Other borough budget discussion included the possibility of a merger between two of Pottstown's four fire companies, Bobst said.

"We do get a very good service for what we levy," Bobst said of a tax in exchange for the borough's fire protection.

Bobst said he wants to hold a meeting for borough residents to ask questions about the preliminary budget. 

Councilman Dan Weand invited the public to participate in the budget process and suggest potential cost savings. 

Pottstown Borough Council is expected to vote on the budget in December.

In other borough council news:

• Pottstown Downtown Improvement District Authority Chairwoman Sheila Dugan proposed a plan to play recorded classical music in the downtown area. The practice is proven to reduce problems including loitering and vagrancy, she said.

"Music in the downtown is a giant leap forward," she said and added the progressive approach could include jazz and other types of music.

Dugan said the vast majority of downtown business owners want the music.

"I've had one merchant complain," she said.

PDIDA will communicate with borough and police officials before playing the music, she said. 

Pottstown Police Chief Mark Flanders said the music plan seems "workable." 

• The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation proposed a plan to develop vacant land at 113 S. Hanover Street.

The location -- near the river, park and Montgomery County Community College West Campus -- could provide an excellent "gateway entrance" to the borough and improve Pottstown's image, foundation officials said.

Details discussed included the possibility of a bicycle welcome center and "green" initiatives. 

The property in 1995 was appraised for $65,000. In 2006 it was conveyed to the borough for $40,000. Foundation officials said they do not have a recent appraisal of the land, but added it has "environmental issues and flood concerns."

•  delivered a proclamation to Pottstown Police Officer Mike Long for his partner Asztor - a police dog who is retiring from roughy nine years of service to the borough. Long and Asztor are highly trained in patrol and explosives detection, she said. Read: 

Long thanked borough officials, the police department and Flanders for their support of Asztor over the years.

Long also thanked Pottstown Police Sgt. Mick Markovich, another canine handler in the department, for his appreciation of the specialized work.

"Really, (Markovich) is the only one who understands when I'm talking canine," Long said.

• Heath also presented a proclamation to the borough's chapter and thanked its volunteers "who generously donate" their time and energy to improve Pottstown.

The patrols areas of Pottstown to keep neighborhoods safe and clean.

"We are making a difference," said member Timothy Soloman in August.

To help the Angels, call 610-327-1321 or email pga@pottstownkarate.com.

• The borough needs to fill a vacancy on the Historic Architectural Review Board, Bobst said and added details for the position will be posted on Pottstown's website.