Second of two parts

The Salisbury Township 2024 budget reviews accomplishments by the municipality in 2023 and previews projects and goals for 2024.

Here are highlights of the 2024 budget, as prepared by Paul Ziegenfus, Salisbury Township director of finance, based on information provided by township department heads.

Executive

- The clerical full-time budget increased because one receptionist was split between the executive department and public works, handling multiple requests and calls for the public works department. The public works administrative assistant hired in 2023 has taken over these responsibilities.

- A part-time receptionist in the front office was hired in July at 20 hours per week.

Finance

- The finance supervisor was replaced at a lower salary in October 2023.

Buildings and Plant Department

- The public works department hired an equipment operator with experience in facilities maintenance. The employee will handle buildings maintenance and replacement needs, with a significant financial savings expected by not having to hire a contractor.

Police

- The police department and fire safety has 10 responders certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Health to respond to medical emergencies and traumatic injuries.

- A Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant for $60,000 over two years will help administrative staff to assist with state accreditation.

- A two-year grant for underage drinking reduction places police officers at school and sports events to deter activities.

- Promoted and expanded use of community intervention specialist to assist with mental health challenges and other community-based challenges.

- Secured $120,000 grant from casino funds for technology upgrades.

- Started police dirt bike program to tackle unlawful dumping and riding in parks.

- After almost seven years, the police department is fully staffed (21 officers). Two detectives were promoted. A lieutenant position is to be filled.

- Lehigh County notified the police department that police radios must be replaced with a digital system. The cost to the township is expected to be substantial.

- Design and construction of the police training facility is anticipated.

- The collective bargaining agreement with the police expires Dec. 31, 2024. An annual cost of living salary increase of 3.75 percent in 2024 was approved.

- The impact of salary increases, the new lieutenant position and three new officers for 2024 and benefits is an increase of approximately $400,000 over 2023.

- With the department fully-staffed, a reduction in overtime is expected.

Community Development

- Revised and updated township construction standards.

- Developed a sewer lateral inspection ordinance to assist the township in eliminating inflow and infiltration in the sewer system.

- Revised the streets and sidewalks ordinance that makes contractors responsible to restore damage done to streets.

- The environmental advisory council held a community cleanup day at Walking Purchase Park on Constitution Drive.

- A residential real estate inspection ordinance is to be developed.

- The flood plain ordinance is to be revised.

Fire Services

- Inspectors completed approximately 300 inspections, 200 re-inspections, 50 responses, eight investigations and 30 complaints.

- One of the biggest challenges is to ensure adequate response and manpower, specifically during daytime hours. The township fire brigade program is to provide coverage as needed during the day from fire inspectors and some public works employees.

Public Works

Accomplishments in 2023 include:

- Rehabbed Devonshire Park bath house

- Rebuilt River Road Park

- Installed new water main on Edgemont Drive

- Purchased Christmas tree and installed power for Christmas tree at Franko Farm Park

- Installed new electric service at Franko Farm Park

- Repaired more than 60 catch basins

- Replaced more than 200 street signs

- Paved Butz Lane

- Used ultrathin wearing paving on West Rock Road from Route 145 to Lanze Lane

- Oil and chip paving project on South Mountain roads, including West Rock Road, Lanze, Woodland, Ironwood, Douglass and Saucon

- Oil and chip paving project on Lehigh Avenue, from Fairview to Center Place

- Cape sealing paving project on Fairfield Drive, Berrington, Park View, Green Briar, Fairfield North and rear of Lindberg Park

- Purchased two Chevrolet dump trucks, Chevrolet 5500 bucket truck and Ford F-350 pickup truck for highway department

- Purchased a Ford F-350 truck and Ford F-550 stake-body truck for utility department

- Installed new generator at Cardinal Drive Pump Station

- Purchased two new chippers with 902 Recycling Grant moneys

- Installed Western Salisbury Fire Department water main extension

- Finished installing new HVAC system in administration building

- Replaced five rooftop HVAC units at police and public works buildings

- Curbing project at administration building parking lot

- Planted 55 street trees

Goals for 2024 include:

- Redo sand volleyball court at Lindberg Park

- Replace playground equipment at Lindberg Park

- Paving projects planned for Salisbury Road, from Tweed to Ueberroth; Lehigh Avenue, from Tweed to Ueberroth; Byfield Street, Fairfax, Marlow, and Maumee Street, from Susquehanna to Salisbury Road; Brook Avenue, Delaware Avenue, Loxley, Hillside Maumee, Ueberroth Street and Tweed Avenue, north off Susquehanna Street, and Edgemont Drive, from Fairfield Drive to Meadowbrook South

- Contract paving work on Lindberg Avenue, from 24th Street to Flexer Avenue

-?Replace approximately 1,500 feet of water main pipe in Meadowbrook section

- Purchase 2024 Mack dump truck

- Purchase eight-ton roller for paving

- Repair inlet storm boxes on roads being paved

- Continue to replace street signs

- Replace roof and fix electrical problems at 2937 S. Pike Ave.

- Rehab former magistrate office for police and emergency management department

Fire Fund

Proposed is an annual donation of $85,000 to Eastern Salisbury Fire Department and $250,000 to Western Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department in the 2024 budget.

Included in the donation to WSFD in 2024 is $165,000 toward loan payments for construction of new Swain Fire Station.

It was determined $180,000 annually from real estate taxes needs to be set aside for equipment replacements.

The fire - capital fund has been established to provide Eastern Salisbury Fire Department and Western Salisbury Fire Department with the appropriate number of fire apparatus. The goal is to replace each apparatus at approximately 25 years after purchase.

The 2024 Salisbury Township proposed budget was approved Nov. 21 by commissioners for advertising and public inspection.

A vote on the 2024 budget and tax ordinance adoption is expected at the 7 p.m. Dec. 14 township meeting in the municipal building, 2900 S. Pike Ave.

Commissioners have a regular second monthly meeting 7 p.m. Dec. 28, scheduled, but may cancel that meeting, barring any complications concerning the budget at the Dec. 14 meeting.

The refuse and recycling contract is expected to be awarded at the Dec. 14 meeting. The contract with Republic Services concludes Dec. 31.

The budget, as required by law, is available to the public 20 days before final adoption.

A copy of the 2024 township budget is available at the front desk in the township municipal building.

The 2024 township budget is available on the township website: https://www.salisburytownshippa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2024-Budget-advertised-rev.-11-21-23.pdf.