The second public hearing on the proposed 2011 township budget in Lower Merion contained a little more of everything – more residents who chose to speak, more variety in the comments and a whole lot more shouting.

Tensions ran high as residents voiced their opposition or support of the township staff's recommended 12.7 percent tax increase for 2011, and occasionally their opposition or support of the township staff itself.

Township Manager Doug Cleland drew heavy fire from a number of individuals, some questioning the 27-year township staff member's managing abilities, or his commitment to the town. On multiple occasions, Board of Commissioners President Bruce Reed and Vice President Mark Taylor reminded audience members be respectful or civil in their discussions. Taylor told one audience member that he owed Cleland an apology for his comments – characterized as xenophobic by Commissioner Brian Gordon, which criticized Cleland's use of the word "our" when talking about the township when he isn't a resident.

Reed cut off another individual, shortly after he finished advocating that female commissioners should receive a lower salary than men and used an obscenity in describing another audience member.

Beyond some of the more hostile rhetoric, the majority of public speakers argued in favor of decreasing the proposed tax increase. Out of 32 total individuals who spoke at the meeting – up from 28 at the first hearing – 17 made comments directly against the tax increase and eight made comments in support of it. The other comments were either neutral or focused on a particular issue or advocacy unrelated to the tax burden.

The first comment against the tax increase pointed to a petition signed by nearly 2,000 residents, from all 14 wards and both political parties, asking for a reduction in the proposed tax increase.

Dick Cuff, a former Lower Merion Commissioner, said that the township doesn't know how to say no to spending, and needs to make changes. In the process of suggesting cuts, Cuff also gave a $500 check to Helen Weary of the Lower Merion Library System, who had spoken before him about the challenges the libraries are facing.

Eric Foster of Bala Cynwyd gave a long powerpoint presentation about tax increases in relation to inflation over the years, arguing the township has historically been fiscally conservative, and that the tax increase in 2011 would be appropriate to adjust revenue levels to where they should be, in his opinion.

Others shared similar points of view. Brian McGuire of Bala Cynwyd praised the budget for what he viewed as its transparency and detail, and said that he believes the tax increase is a reasonable burden for township taxpayers to bear for the services provided.

Julia McCabe of Haverford said that she felt compelled to come and speak while watching to the hearing on TV. "I think I am part of a silent majority," McCabe said. "I don't enjoy public speaking, but I do support your budget."

Others urged the commissioners to seek a compromise by eliminating or reducing unneeded spending, such as the new gateway fountain in Ardmore that cost over $100,000.

Carl Watson of Wynnewood argued to reduce the scope of the Bala Avenue streetscape project to include a more cost effective lighting system, and provided the board with information about other options available.

Carla Zambelli of Haverford said, "You have to draw the line somewhere, but it seems to me that you are going to do whatever it is you want to do. … Giving people a sense of confidence in their government back should be of paramount importance. Please lead by example, you have to find some ways to meet in the middle with the board's minority."

The public comment period lasted for roughly two and a half hours before the commissioners began their own discussion. Commissioner Lewis Gould said that he thinks more people came out to the two public hearings in the past few hearings than he has seen in the previous 10 years combined as a board member. Several other commissioners thanked the audience members for taking the time to express their views, regardless if they agreed with them.

While Wednesday night's meeting was the second of two public hearings on the budget, public comment periods are available at each of the Board of Commissioners meetings. The commissioners will continue their budget discussion at a finance committee meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 8 and will vote on the final version of the budget on Wednesday, Dec. 15.