Lower Milford Rejects Donation to Shelter Fund

  The Lower Milford Township Board of Supervisors denied a request from Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley to help support local homeless shelters.

 CACLV had requested a contribution from the township of $3,390 for the Municipal Fund Appeal to Support Shelters. CACLV asks municipalities for a donation to support nine shelters located in Lehigh and Northampton counties.

“We feel they need to be responsible for sheltering their own,” said Sharol Weaver, Director of Planning for the CACLV. Weaver told a Patch reporter that two Lower Milford residents had made use of the shelters.

The township decided against donating to the CACLV. “We didn't feel it was appropriate,” said Township Manager Ellen Koplin. 

The township's 2012 budget draft includes a recommended 25 percent reduction in donations. A majority of the donations go to libraries and the Southern Lehigh Living Memorial Park. Koplin called the cuts a belt tightening measure. 

 The supervisors also received a copy of the draft budget and took some questions from residents. 

 A vote on advertising the 2012 budget will be scheduled for November 17th. The supervisors will continue discussion on the budget leading up to a vote on December 15th. “There is ample time for folks to comment,” said Supervisor Chairwoman Donna Wright.

 The supervisors will have their next meeting Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7:30pm.