By Richard L. Gaw

Staff Writer

The London Grove Board of Supervisors gave preliminary approval to the township's 2014 budget at its Nov. 6 meeting, which expects to generate revenues in excess of $3.4 million.

As introduced by Township Manager Steve Brown, the township's budget for next year breaks down to revenues expected to be $3,481,810.93, while its expenditures are expected to be $3,334,783, leaving an anticipated fund balance available to the township of $147,027.93.

Brown said that the township's budget figures for next year will generally remain the same as 2013. “The budget for next year is by and large the same budget you've seen for the last couple of years, and is balanced without the need for any new taxes, without the need for any increase in existing taxes,” Brown said.

Brown said that the budget does contain the money currently being collected from the township's half percent increase in its Earned Income Tax (EIT), a two-year tax that is being collected this year and in 2014, the revenues of which are being designated for road and bridge repairs in the township. Portions of the expenditure side of the budget will be designated for updating of personnel policies; possibly hiring a consultant to work with PennDOT on its planned development of intersections along the Route 41 corridor through the township; and for the purchase of new equipment for the Public Works Department. The 2014 budget also accounts for the township's annual contributions to the library, emergency service providers, and the township's investment in open space prservation.

The is expected to give its final approval for the 2014 budget at its December meeting.

In other township business, Tom Bolko, manager at the Inniscrone Golf Course, said that revenues at the course increased 10 percent this October, as compared to Oct. 2012, and that club membership has risen 48 percent over last year at this time. Finally, Bolko said that total revenues at the course are $59,000 more than they were by October of last year.

As a follow up to a topic discussed at a recent board meeting, township Manager Steve Brown said he had discussed the possibility of the township placing school warning zone flashers and blinking safety lights near the Church of the Nazarene on State Road in the township with Pastor Mike Schutz. Although Pastor Schutz told Brown that he had seen some speeding on State Road near the church and school, he said that no safety signage was needed at the location.

The board formally adopted Resolution #608, an emergency operations plan for the township, which provides instructions to all township leaders on what safety measures need to be complied with in the event of a township emergency.

Patricia Morrison, who served as the township's treasurer for the last 12 years and who retired earlier this year, was recognized in Resolution # 607 for her “many years of selfless service, her expertise and commitment in local government and township staff, residents and taxpayers of the township,” the resolution stated. During her tenure there, Morrison was involved in the development of Goddard Park, the creation of a Codes Department and public works department; the purchase and operation of the Inniscrone Golf Course; helped institute an open space preservation program; as well as oversaw the township's annual budget.

The board appointed supervisor Mike Pickel to be the township delegate to and voting member of the Chester County Association of Township Officials (CCATO). The board also appointed Chatham resident Julie Gardner to its zoning ordinance steering committee.

Finally, the board appointed Ian Torello as assistant fire marshal for the township. Steve Brown said that he and Public Works Director Shane Kinsey had met with Torello prior to his appointment, and said that Torello has a resume of experience, education and community involvement, and that Torello could become a resource for projects the township will have with insurance providers and fire companies.