Coopersburg Council Discusses Ways to Cut Expenses

The Coopersburg Borough Council discussed its strategic plan of balancing its annual budget during Tuesday's meeting.

President Jack Felch roughly estimated that the borough's future income for the remainder of the calendar year would be $600,000, with its projected expenses during that time slightly more than $1.2 million. He noted that the borough currently has another $600,000 saved to help cover those expenses, but that the board must be frugal with its expenses toward public services.

"Just like any business, we've felt the effects of the economy," said Felch. "I would like to hold a summit with representatives from the park, fire department and library to ask them questions about how they spend the money they're provided with."

This meeting, which Felch emphasized should be open to the public, will be held on Oct. 1.

No concrete economic plans were discussed during the council meeting, as the council will continue to form questions for public service officials on where the borough can cut costs. Some council members believe such an investigation will not be enough to keep the borough in a healthy economic state.

"I'm just worried that it's not going to be enough," said Councilman Steve Lundy, who still applauded the borough's efforts, particularly those of Borough Manager Timothy Paashaus.

"It's really encouraging to finally have someone [Paashaus] really looking into all of our expenses and trying to be creative with out budget," said Lundy.