Financial Stability Leading To More Capital Projects In Warminster

WARMINSTER, PA —Most taxes have been collected, revenues are rolling in and the township passed its audit with flying colors.

It's quite the turnaround on the financial end for a township that Supervisors Chairman Kenneth Hayes has said several times was "on the verge of bankruptcy."

"We've done very well as a board," Supervisors Vice President Kathy Frescatore said.

Hayes and supervisors said the stability over the past year has come from holding the line on finances and putting together an administrative team that is delivering the goods to its residents.

With that financial stability, the township has loosened its purse strings: launching projects for lighting improvements at parks, a new playground, and library upgrades.

At its recent meeting, supervisors extended the contract of Township Manager Tom Scott for another two years.

At its Sept. 7 meeting, Scott is expected to provide supervisors and residents an update on where the township stands regarding its capital improvement projects.

"I will give a report for all projects initiated or completed last year and this year," Scott said. "The list is considerable. We've had two years' worth of street paving and Shenandoah Woods is gone."

Township Engineer Craig Kennard said at last month's meeting that 60 percent of the township's road paving project had been completed.

Meanwhile, Finance Director John Ramey told supervisors that $8.6 million in taxes had been collected with only $162,000 remaining at the end of June.

"Thanks to the residents for paying their taxes," Hayes said. "It's so much easier to manage. We've done some great things."

Ramey also said that the township's finances "were still looking good" with revenues up by $960,000 at the end of June along with revenue from the earned income tax, and building and electrical permits.

What supervisors really wanted to hear was Ramey's report on an audit of the township's financial 110 pages of statements.

Ramey said there were "no findings and no problems" within management. He added that no deficiencies were found that would be considered a weakness.

His statements drew applause from supervisors.

"Well done John," Hayes said.