Town Hall Meeting: What Should Lower Merion Do With $6.9 Million?
After commercial tax settlements, the general fund is too big.
Lower Merion Township's government is holding a public workshop Wednesday, Jan. 25 to discuss what to do with an extra $6.9 million in revenue it had not planned for when budgeting for 2012.
In fall 2011, the township learned it would be receiving that amount from settlements over commercial tax bills. However, government accounting laws only allow a municipality's general fund to exceed its planned expenditures by 18 percent, and the $6.9 million would put Lower Merion out of compliance with that rule.
Commissioners and residents have made several suggestions for the fate of the money. Those who want to add to the conversation can attend the workshop at 6 p.m. in the second-floor assembly room at 75 E. Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore.
Refer to township CFO Dean Dortone's memo (attached to this article) for more information.
Edward B. Basner
10:09 am on Thursday, January 26, 2012
For Heaven's sake listen to Mr. Gould, Jr. and give the money back to the tax payers. When making up the next budget, you can take into account that more money than expected may come in, and have plans in place for that possible situation.
Rick Kelly
10:58 am on Thursday, January 26, 2012
Replace the street signs, trim the low hanging trees over the roads, and fix the roads
Selma Davis
11:33 am on Thursday, January 26, 2012
Of course, give it back to the taxpayers. It's our money anyway.
Bea Durham Blackman
11:46 am on Thursday, January 26, 2012
Long-time LM residents have contributed to this surplus through the faithful payment of their real estate taxes (for almost 50 years in my case). Some of this money should be rebated to taxpayers based on how long they have paid LM taxes. Those who recently sold their houses and will no longer be paying local taxes deserve to receive their share of the surplus before newcomers who are only now beginning to pay township taxes. Beatrice Durham Blackman
Douglas Martindale
10:38 pm on Thursday, January 26, 2012
They could take the lead of many American's during these economic times and PAY DOWN DEBT!!!!