If you still buy into the old adages that Size Matters (wink, wink), and Bigger is Better, I have one long word for you - Trumbauersville.
T'ville is one of those rural towns where the signpost is almost as large as the place itself. It says "Welcome to Trumbauersville" and "Now leaving Trumbauersville" on the same post. That's what happens when your metropolis is all of .4 square miles. That's "point" "four" "square" "miles". About 256 football fields, not counting the end zones.
And the 1100 residents love it that way - especially at tax time. Can you say 23 percent tax cut for 2010? Council President Ed Child can. "It's easier to manage on a smaller scale. Charles Meredith has for years been pushing for local municipalities to merge, but we don't see any benefit to that for our residents. Big government could undo the fiscal efficiency we have been able to achieve."
Despite the economic meltdown that is forcing municipalities across the country to either raise taxes or cut services - or both - Trumbauersville will be doing neither. In fact, they are lowering taxes, and increasing services!!! The tax rate is being dropped from 3.25 mills to 2.5 mills, lower than it has been since 1994, when the borough borrowed about $1 million, and raised taxes to build and repair the water system and sidewalks. But since the borough was able to pay off the 20-year loan six years early, and save almost $50,000 in interest, the higher taxes were no longer needed.
Child revealed the secret of T'ville's success: "We take the time to vet almost every purchase (cost/benefit), even though we are not required by law to get quotes for purchases under $4,000. On some occasions, we do try to deal with borough businesses, but not at any cost. We also have the luxury of 'free money'. Two cell phone companies rent space on our water tower, which brings in $18,000 each annually, for a windfall of $36,000. It paid for our Centennial Celebration expenses last year, and for now we are just dividing the money up into several accounts to increase our reserves. We also benefit by having a very financially astute borough administrator, Larry Smock. He was instrumental in developing strategies for paying down our debt and managing our investments. So it takes time, a thorough thought process, some luck, and good people."
Road work, and public works jobs, are handled by outside contractors. Child explained " We don't have enough work to justify a public works department, but did hire a part-time utility person for the first time this year. We have contracted grass mowing and trash collection, and there isn't much park maintenance to deal with. Our playground was installed entirely by volunteers, and the American Legion donated a small pavilion next to the playground."
"We apply for grants that will do the community the most good. We were able to secure a grant last year to make our first open space purchase, with our required match coming from well-maintained reserves. With the purchase, we picked up a picnic pavilion, and a 16 x 20 building for a kitchen and serving area 'concession stand'. But since the kitchen is in serious need of repair or replacement, we received a $39,500 grant, not only to replace the building, but to bring in water, sewer and electric service, purchase some appliances, and buy all new picnic tables for the pavilion. It has been used for our annual Community Day festivities, and annual pancake breakfast, the breakfast now in its second year. We hope it becomes a hub of community and private activities, such as birthday parties, graduations, etc."
By the way, this year all breakfast proceeds ($260) were donated to the Milford Shelter and food bank. That might not seem like much, but T'ville only charged $2 for breakfast.
Despite this sunny picture, there are some storm clouds on the horizon. Child continued "I have to admit that it is a bit easier when you don't have to fund a police department or public works department. A police department can be the largest single budget item for most communities. House Bill 1500, which would require towns without police forces to pay $156 per resident for State Police coverage, could change our financial picture substantially if it passes in its present form."
In anticipation of some state legislation, Child has begun discussions with Richland Township, and the Pennridge Regional Police. "HB 1500 would cost us about $172,000 for 1100 residents. That would require a tax increase higher than that allowed by the PA Borough Code. I've been working closely with the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs to either defeat the bill, or modify it. It has received enough negative comments from state legislators that I'm confident it won't pass in its present form."
In the meantime, T'ville is continuing business as usual. Usual, that is, for towns with a surplus in the kitty. There will be raises for Smock (the only full-time employee), the assistant secretary, and two borough workers. The playground development will move ahead. And borough taxes will continue to fall.
Eat your heart out, Philadelphia.