During the Dec. 6 township meeting, the Penn Township Board of Supervisors approved the 2024 budget as advertised, in the amount of $2,028,800.  The biggest categories for expenses are general government at $696,000 and public safety at $624,000. There will be no increase in the local municipal tax rate of 0.53 mills.

The board voted to approve a list of seven volunteers who live in the township and serve in either West Grove Fire and EMS or Medic 94. They will each receive a $500 credit on their township earned-income tax.

“The goal of it is to encourage volunteerism to those who serve this community. It’s just a nice way of thanking them for their volunteerism and encouraging it,” supervisor Victor Mantegna said.

The board announced the opening of bids for the new Emergency Operations Building at 863 Baltimore Pike. Just two bids were received for the project: McComsey Builders at $1.975,824 and Pancoast and Clifford at $2,042,321. The township engineers will review the documents along with possible alternate deductions and prepare a recommendation for the board’s January meeting.

This meeting was the final session for Curtis A, Mason Sr., after 26 years of service to the township, including 22 of those years as chairman of the board os supervisors. Mason chose not to run for another term, throwing his support to republican candidate Carlton Snow, who was elected to replace him.

To honor Mason for his years of service, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta and State Rep. John Lawrence were both in attendance at the meeting with citations from the State Senate and State House. There were additional honors in comments and tokens of appreciation from Medic 94 CEO Bob Hotchkiss, Judge Matt Swavey, Judge Scott Massey, the board of supervisors and the township staff. 

The list of accomplishments during Mason’s time in office is extensive. Just a few of the highlights are the preservation of the Red Rose Inn, the creation of the township park and the sports park, and building a home for Medic 94.

“I personally relish the time I’ve had with Mr. Mason, the knowledge he’s lent down to me and the friendship that will last much longer,” Mantegna said.

Going forward into the new year, the board is moving their meetings to the first Tuesday of the month starting at 6 p.m.