WEST ROCKHILL — The West Rockhill Board of Supervisors Wednesday evening adopted the township’s 2024 budget with no tax increases.
The balanced budget projects a total revenue and expenditures of $3.01 million. The budget notably increases road repair funding from $498,000 to $550,000 and appropriates $170,000 for a new backhoe, which will be borrowed from the township’s reserves. Other expenditures include $13,000 for the Holiday House pool and $2,500 for the Pennridge Senior Center.
The board approved a feasibility study for the Holiday House pool after board members Jay Keyser and David Collingwood raised concerns about its long-term viability and financial burden on the township. Keyser noted that the board has had to repeatedly pump more money into the pool to keep it afloat amidst aging infrastructure and dwindling memberships.
“Is it worth investing x number of dollars for 30-35 season ticket holders?” said Keyser. “When you look at the thousands of dollars we put into the pool, you have to weigh that out.”
In response, Joint Recreation Authority Chair Hal Schirmer said that the Authority is coordinating new fundraising and marketing efforts to ensure the pool’s viability. He also suggested adding other amenities to the property, including event spaces and pickle ball courts. But the board appeared unmoved.
“We cannot commit more money to this until we know it’s viable,” said Collingwood.
Chris Derstine of the Planning Commission reported on a proposal by the Telford Borough Authority to extend public sewer access to 86 homes on County Line Road. He said that the estimated cost is $36,000 per home and that the Authority is seeking grant funding for the project.
Derstine also announced that the planned Wawa site at the intersection of State Road and Meetinghouse Road will no longer include a sidewalk up to Old State Road due to the difficult terrain. The site, however, will still include a sidewalk along State Road.
Derstine further announced that Tim Snyder of Buttercreek Builders revised his Camp Rock Hill Road development proposal to include a six-lot configuration with shared driveways for the properties. Derstine said that the Commission requested further revisions due to members’ opposition to shared driveways.
The board also authorized the advertisement of the Telford Borough Authority’s public sewer plan and approved the drafting of an ordinance to establish a tax rebate program for volunteer firefighters in an effort to boost recruitment.
The next West Rockhill Board of Supervisors meeting is on January 17 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit westrockhilltownship.org
