On July 7th, 2016 WFMZ reported Wehr's Dam could cost South Whitehall taxpayers at least $600K-- "The Nov. 8 referendum will ask voters to authorize borrowing up to $600,000 for the maintenance and preservation of the dam over a five-year period."
Looking At The Whole Picture
I fail to see why this is such a controversy. According to South Whitehall's own website-- "The proposed budget calls for $13.6 million in operating expenses and $15 million in revenue." in 2016 with a " Unappropriated Reserve $912,788."
If this is so the estimated $120,000 per year would represent less then 13.2% of the 2016 "Unappropriated Reserve" in of itself. Looking at those numbers the need for borrowing may not even be necessary,
According to the 2010 census 19,180 people live in South Whitehall Township. Instead of asking the question the way they plan, why not ask people if their willing to spend $6.26 apiece per year for the next 5 years to keep it?
If you study the 2016 budget $19,400 will be spent on park signage. Another $33,000 for kitchen upgrades at one firehouse and floor coating at another . Alongside $25,000 for police office renovations this adds up to $77,400. Should we put these up for a public referendum too?
To the average wage earner $120,000 annually sounds like a lot of money but when you're dealing with a $15 million annual budget .8% is minuscule.
If taxpayers wish to believe political officials are truly concerned about the financial welfare of constituents over the dam enjoy the half a pizza it will save you.
that $600,000 figure was greatly inflated to justify a referendum. understand that even a library failed the last SWT referendum, because it would raise taxes 2%. the referendum is a way for the SWT commissioners to accommodate the Wildlands Conservancy without political consequences from the dam supporters.
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