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Chester County Press

Budget approved in Kennett Township as new capital plan makes use of surplus

12/24/2013 10:55AM ● By Acl

By John Chambless

Staff Writer

After appproving the 2014 budget at their meeting on Dec. 16, the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors will see the township heading into the new year with a general fund beginning balance of $10.4 million on Jan. 1. That balance will raise slightly more than $3 million in revenue, absorb $4.22 million in expenses, and is expected to finish next year with and end-of-year balance of $10.11 million.

In light of the formation of the township's new capital plan, developed by the township's Business Advisory Committee to invest some of the township's surplus toward long-term needs over a 10- to 20-year period, the plan's fund will make $1.32 million in donations in 2014, which will include a contribution of $650,000 for the Longwood Fire Company for the purchase of a new fire truck, as well as make further donations to Kennett Fire Company. In addition, $130,000 will be pulled from the plan's budget to pay for a new dump truck for the township; $248,500 will be used to revitalize the stream bank at the Marshall Bridge Road vicinity; and $165,000 will be designated for paving throughout the township. 

Among its larger expenditure items, the township is expected to designate $1.57 million toward sewer projects for the township, which include $300,000 each designated toward improvements at the Five Points and Creek Road extensions, as well as $100,000 towards the repayment of outstanding sewer fund loan.

The township will also designate $975,000 toward wages and benefits; $417,500 toward its fire ergency services; $316,100 toward its general operating budget; $280,000 toward its police department; and just under $200,000 to road and bridge maintenance.

Perhaps the most notable difference between 2013 and 2014 is reflected in the open space budget. The township projects that it will spend $931,500 in open space expenditures next year, a big increase over the $176,074 it expects to pay out this year.