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Local News Article

Revised Budget up for Approval in Marlborough Township

Written by Jennifer Butler Kirkwood, Correspondent
2012-01-26

Supervisors in Marlborough Township met on both January 11 and January 23 to review plans for 2012, including revisions to the township budget. On the 23^rd, Supervisor Chairwoman Joan Smith presented and reviewed specific line items that have been altered in the reopened 2012 township budget.

The new budget decreases overall staff salaries and allowances but also includes a severance package for the former township manager of over $18,000 as well as a three-month continuation of all employee benefits. On January 3, supervisors voted to hire Elly Sadorf to replace Paul Williams as township manager.

Additionally, Smith pointed out that the unallocated fund balance, entered as a contingency fund amount, increased by over $10,000 for the year.

“That’s an improvement over what we were expecting in December,” Doremus commented.

Supervisors voted to adopt the proposed draft budget, which will be available for review in the township office. A final budget will then be adopted on February 8.

In related business, Doremus requested that the township move toward a system of using purchase orders to identify and approve purchases versus awaiting invoices from vendors as a way to track spending. Smith asked for more information on the use of purchase orders, which Doremus agreed to research.

Midway through Monday night’s meeting, supervisors called an executive session for a personnel discussion to review an employment agreement for the township manager. Supervisors made no announcement, however, after the 20-minute session, except to state that the matter will be continued at the February 8meeting.

On Wednesday January 11, supervisors voted unanimously to hire Andrew Curtis as a part-time police officer, pending verification of his credentials. Supervisor Barry Doremus explained that the position has been planned and budgeted, adding that several applicants had been reviewed and interviewed, including Curtis.

Also on January 11, Sumneytown resident Sandy Hughes appealed to supervisors for a thorough review of traffic through the village of Sumneytown, explaining that, due to speeding vehicles, the area is a danger for pedestrians.

“I am not asking you to change anything; I am asking for help to enforce the things that are already in place,” Hughes said.

On both nights, supervisors reviewed codification proposals submitted by two companies that would electronically organize township ordinances. No decision was made as supervisors decided to table the issue until the February 8 meeting, requesting more input from the township solicitor.

Finally, Smith announced that the township has completed job descriptions which have been distributed to township employees for review. In addition, a schedule of employee evaluations will begin immediately and continue annually.

Supervisors hire additional police officer

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