Friday, December 31, 2010

Octorara's Budget - Its Not Pretty


Like a broken clock, I'm right about twice a day.

And that's on a good day.

I had a bad day recently and it showed up on a post here on Parkesburg Today.  Not only was I wrong but I took a cheap shot at some good people doing their damnedest to make a silk purse out of the proverbial sow's ear.

I speak of course of the administration and school board of the Octorara Area School District.  On December 15th I wrote that unlike the Borough and County who had held taxes for 2011 at 2010 levels, the Octorara School District's board and administrators looked like they were on their way to another tax increase in 2011.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

While there may be a tax increase in June, a tax increase is NOT a foregone conclusion.  Everyone involved in the budget process at the district, including the administration and all nine members of the Board of Directors, are doing all in their power to avoid that outcome.

Here's the situation as it currently stands:

1.  Revenues in almost every form including property taxes, earned income taxes, investment revenue and states and federal funding are down and down significantly (see chart below).  The one bright spot is in a new area called 'demand response.'  Demand response (not shown on graph) is an arrangement where PECO pays the district $700 to $900 per day to shut down during peak energy demands.  Since periods of peak demand always happen during the summer, the district is able to accommodate PECO's request with zero impact on the district's education focus.  As a result demand response is expected to generate close to $50,000 in revenue for the district this year.  


2. Expenses in the form of salaries, pension expenses, healthcare, charter school fees and expenses and debt services continue to grow (see chart below).  While some of these expenses are the responsibility of the school board to manage, many are driven at the state level and out of the board's control.  Pension funding ratios are dictated by Harrisburg as is the mandate that local districts fund charter schools, a mandate that takes $2M out of the money Octorara has to fund its own classrooms.   And lets not forget about healthcare insurance expenses expected to grow at a 15-20% ($250,000) pace in 2011.


3. Student enrollment projections which spurred the recent campus building boom did not  materialized.  While enrollment projections are more science than art, the art of guessing which assumptions are valid and which are not is anything but exact.  In 2005 and 2006 the decisions to build, enhance and expand the district's infrastructure by borrowing against future revenue seemed wise given the entire world's economy was booming and Chester County's real estate wave was rolling without pause towards the district.  With the 2008 economic downturn bringing area residential development to a dead stop, the district's enrollment did not climb but remained at the decade old 2,700 student level.  Bottom line is the debt taken on to fund the expansion must now be serviced without the benefit of the anticipated tax revenue new homes would have contributed had they been built.

So what should we do?  I offer three suggestions.

1. Hold our judgment - The budget won't be finalized until the last week of June leaving the School Board and administration 6 months to work out a solution for the 2011-2012 school year.  School board members, elected by us, serve without pay.   While they need our perspective, school board members don't need, or for that matter deserve, our sharp criticism.

2. Do something, go to meetings, run for the school board, get out of your bark-o-lounger and get involved - School board meetings occur every two weeks and usually have less than 10 people in attendance.  Five school board seats are up for election in November 2011. If you're convinced you can do better, be a brave patriot and public servant and put your name on the ballot.

3.  Listen, learn, listen some more and speak, in that order.  God gave us two ear's and one mouth to encourage us to do twice as much listening then talking.  The school district's budget is complicated and complex. There are no easy solutions or short cuts around our current challenges.  Don't do what I did and take a cheap shot without first understanding the nuances and intricacies of public education funding.

Here's a recently published article written by Debbie Wygant describing Octorara's budget process.  Check back here often over the coming weeks for budget updates.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

A Room At The Arms



What does a room at the Parkesburg Arms run week to week, month to month?

This add, posted on Craigslist in the last day or two, provides a snapshot into the cost of a room and life in what is most certainly the least expensive rental in Parkesburg.

$375 Rooms for Rent - Parkesburg Arms Hotel (415 W. 1st Ave)


Date: 2010-12-28, 11:27AM EST
Reply to: hous-abrd2-2132581146@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]


Parkesburg Arms Hotel has rooms available for weekly or monthly rentals. Rent includes all utilities.

Weekly - $150/week (no application or deposit)

Monthly
$610 to move in:
$375 first month's rent
$200 deposit (returned upon move out if no damage)
$35 application fee (criminal background check)

Each room comes with bed and small fridge. Two shared bathrooms on each floor. Large kitchen area and laundry room located downstairs.

Call 610-XXX-XXXX or 484-XXX-XXXX if interested!!

415 W. 1st Ave (google map) (yahoo map)

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Octorara School Board Reorganizes


Debbie Wygent continues her 'never say die' effort to keep the residents of the Octorara Area School District up-to-date with her latest post on the reorganization of the School Board at the December 13th board meeting.

On her blog Civic Journalist Ms. Wygent writes:

The Octorara Area School Board has reorganized and unanimously returned Lisa Bowman, a Region 2 representative, to the presidency, and Region 3 representative Nelson Stoltzfus to his seat as vice president.

Bowman, however, will face reelection in 2011, as will Region 1 board members Shawna Johnson and Brian Norris, and Region 3 representative John Malone. Board members Sam Ganow and John McCartney from Region 2 will face reelection in 2013, as will Robert Hume and Stoltzfus in Region 3.


Read more of Debbie's post here.

And check back here in the next couple days for an update on Octorara's annual budget in what promises to be a challenging fiscal year.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Top 10 Thing's I'll Miss / 5 Things I will Not Miss About the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania / And a Passing Note to Texas

Matthew Kennel of Atglen, a 2001 graduate of Octorara High School, posted this on FaceBook this morning as he departs for his first post college (undergrad at Villanova followed by a Masters degree at the University of Steubenville) position teaching catholic church history at John Paul II High School in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Today I officially become a carpetbagger.  Today, I leave Pennsylvania for the state of Texas.  But, if I leave my home of 25 years, it is certainly not with a lack of love and gratitude for the many blessings it has bestowed upon me.  Here are the top 10 things I will miss about living in PA.

10.  Shady Maple Smorgasbord - Shady Maple is, quite simply put, the finest place to experience real Pennsylvania Dutch cooking.  It is like a stadium for food.  One fun fact about Shady Maple is that Buzz Tyson, Keith Brooks, and Ryan King often bet with each other about things and, usually, the loser has to buy Shady Maple for everyone (although I'm not sure how often these bets are actually enforced.  You've gotta get on that, guys).

9. Local Food Brands (Turkey Hill Tea, Herr's Chips) - One reason why Lancaster County hasn't been touched as badly by the recession is that it's so hard to leave due to excess gravity from the locals eating so much of our awesome food.

8. The Scenery - Pennsylvania is known for being a beautiful state.  Whether it be the lovely mountains of the center of the state, the rolling hills and horse farms of southern Chester County, or the magnificent corn fields of Lancaster County, our state is a very lovely physical place to live!

7. The Seasons - So, despite snow sometimes being annoying, I think it will be quite odd for it not to get cold in the Fall or be cold at Christmas, and I very much wonder if the Texan spring will have beauty to even begin to compare with the rich loom of colors that our Springs have.

6. The History - I live 90 minutes from the city where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed, less than 90 minutes from Valley Forge and the Battlefield of the Brandywine, and a mere hour and a half from the most significant battle ever fought on American soil, the Battle of Gettysburg!

5. The Mennonites - Mennonites are fantastic people.  Their cooking is good and their generous spirit is amazing.  They are true followers of Jesus Christ and I will always love and respect them for that, no matter what theological differences we may have.  I will miss the little old Mennonite ladies with their plain dresses and prayer caps.  I will miss Bible Quizzing.  I will miss hearing about the missions and MDS and MCC.  I will miss playing "the Mennonite Game" (the game where you try to find out how you're related to someone).

4. Pittsburgh - This is from my 2 1/2 years living in Eastern Ohio - Pittsburgh is a jewel on the Three Rivers.  It is a beautiful city and a great place to hang out!

3. Going to Market - So, technically, this is something I will miss about Delaware.  I have worked at the New Castle Farmers Market in almost every year since 2003.  It is a fantastic, fast paced work place with amazing co-workers and, in Jeff Craig, a boss unequaled in generosity, flexibility, and encouragement!

2. My Friends - That so many of my friends have moved away from Lancaster County already is the thing that makes it tolerable to leave in the first place.  Why, in my heyday of 2002/2003, I could wrestle on any given weekend between hanging out with Ryan King, Dustin King, Charlie King, and Keith Brooks on the one hand, or playing games with Rodney Umble, Ryan Smoker, Matt Ressler, Abe "Raaaaaaaaaaallllllllllppppppppphhhhhhhh" Walters on the other hand, or having deep discussions over Wawa at 3AM with Jen Shultz, Dan Shultz, and Kady Pulliam on third, and not to mention hanging out at the Park house with Mr. Park, Dave, Samantha, and Joel Park and any of the host of Mt. Vernon related characters who hung out with them.  I miss you all already, and especially those of you who preceded me in leaving this state.  Oh, and, of course, I miss being within easy striking distance of all my friends in New York City!  And I will miss Smac and my new Catholic friends I was making this semester.

1. My Family - Of course, I already miss Nan and Grandma Diem, God rest their souls.  And I already miss my Dad, who has lived with a brain injury in the nursing home for 10 years.  But, I will miss my Grandma Kennel, my mom, and my dear sisters.  And I will miss being within striking distance of my Kennel-side relatives who live in New Jersey and New York.

Top 5 Things I will Not Miss

5. New York/New Jersey Drivers - One time, when I was just starting out the Fall '09 semester at Franciscan University, I saw a car parallel parking in the Circle.  It proceeded to give a love tap to the cars in front of and in back of it.  I said, "That driver must be from New York."  I was right!

4. State Income Taxes - Pennsylvania has state income taxes, Texas does not!!!!!

3. Snow - If I enjoyed the snow so much last winter in Steubenville, it is only because I didn't have to drive far in it and it looks beautiful through a window from a heated room or car.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers Fans, especially in Lancaster County - With apologies to Aunt Ellen, Scott, and Steven, I will definitely not miss the hourdes of people in Yellow, especially when those people were born and bred in Lancaster County and should, by all rights, be fans of the Eagles!!!!

1. Passing Amish buggies - I know that the Amish are great people and that they bring great boons to our economy, but I will not miss passing Amish buggies on the road.  They go soooooooooo slow, and especially when you're going up a hill.  Oh, and something I discovered yesterday, Amish buggies on snowy back roads are NOT a good idea.

A Passing Note to Texas

1.  I am converting you all from being Dallas Cowboys fans to being decent, God-fearing, Philadelphia Eagles fans.  Be forewarned!!!!!!!

Parkesburg From Our Windows


The intersection of Main and East Bridge Street at 9:04 AM December 27, 2010.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Messiah-Sing Along


The Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church on Route 10 (1121 Octorara Trail) just north of Parkesburg is hosting a Messiah-sing along with the Chester County Christian Chorale on Tuesday, December 28th beginning at 7PM.

Past performances have attracted an audience of 500-plus participants – either as singer in the Messiah choir or in the audience, so plan ahead and arrive by 6:30 PM.

There are no rehearsals or run throughs. Participants should bring their own music.  Copies of the Messiah music will be available for rental the evening of the performance.

More on the history of The Messiah, arguably one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written and Tuesady's sing-along and the Chester County Christian Chorale here.

And for a moment of pure entertainment, here is a video that went viral over the last several weeks.  The Random Act of Culture was filmed in the old Wanamaker's building in Center City and shows Philadelphians at their best. 

I hope the video extends your joy of the holiday season a few extra moments.

Snow Emergency Declared in Parkesburg



As residents of Parkesburg hunker down for a winter storm making its way up the east coast, Mayor John Hagan declared a snow emergency this afternoon at 2pm.


The Weather Channel's forecast at 3:40 PM Sunday afternoon.

Generally a snow emergency declaration is intended to keep key streets and roads open, accessible and plowable. 

In Parkesburg no vehicles may be parked on First Avenue, Main Street and Strasburg Avenue, the Borough's snow emergency routes, during the emergency. Vehicles parked on these streets may be towed at the owner's expense to speed snow removal.




Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas!


While our homes are decked out with trees, gifts, reindeer and pictures of Santa, our hearts are turned to the Christ child born 2000 some years ago in a manger outside Bethlehem.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Politicians, business leaders and entertainers have power and money, but His life and Gospel offer us something they can't touch; the power to change hearts and lives, to make bad men good and good men better.

From our home to yours, may the peace He brought into the world find room in your heart, family and home this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas indeed!

Borough's Christmas Tree


Thanks to the good folks at the Parkesburg Area Business Association, Parkesburg has a lovely Christmas tree.

Located at the entrance to Minch Park on West Street next to the library, the tree bids all of Parkesburg a Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings.


Thank you PABA!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Mental Health Break

A haunting timelapse of the lunar eclipse that happened early Tuesday morning:




Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse from William Castleman on Vimeo.

Star Guard Carries Octorara over Kennett

 
In the league opener against Kennett High, Octorara's Lamont Clark scored 16 points to go along with his five rebounds and seven assists to propel Octorara to an easy 52 - 37 win.

In an article the next day the Daily Local called Clark easily the best player on the floor.  His coach echoed those sentiments calling Clark one of the best players in the league.

Sounds like someone we should watch.

Read more about Lamont Clark, watch a video of Clark's play in the Kennett game and catch Coach Lambert's analysis of his star player's game here or here.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Borough Council Meeting

Members of Borough Council and the Mayor catch up following the meeting.  From left to right Joseph Dynesko, Sharon Wolf, Mark Agen, Mayor John Hagan. 


Below is the agenda and notes (in blue) from last night's Borough Council meeting where the council approved the 2011 budget with no property tax increase and agreed to accept dedication of the Streets in the Parkesburg Knoll, Phase II-A even though more than 10 lots in the development remain vacant.

BOROUGH OF PARKESBURG
COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA

Monday, December 20, 2010  7:00 P.M.

Call to Order. .............................................................................................. Melinda Keen

Pledge of Allegiance

Roll Call
Everyone present

Approval of Agenda

Review and Approval of Minutes of the November 15, 2010 Regular Council Meeting
Treasurer’s Report

Approval of Bills

Public Comments (Agenda Items Only)

Planning Commission/Subdivisions:

Department Reports:

Police Chief’s Report. ....................................................................... Brian Sheller
Fire Chief’s Report. ............................................................. Raymond Stackhouse
Engineer’s Report. .............................................................................. Mendi Lowe
Zoning Officer’s Report. ............................................................. ARRO Consulting
Building Code Official’s Report. ....................................................... John Coldiron
Manager’s Report. ........................................................................ James Thomas
  •  The project on State Street is being held up by the state because handicapped curbs and sidewalks do not meet standards.  Appeal to allow design made to the state.
  • Highland Township storm water running on to Chetty development on 8th Avenue is being addressed.  Pipes have been delivered and are waiting to be installed by Chetty.
  • One of the old Street light on Strasburg Ave was hit and damaged. The matter was turned over to Borough's insurance company for resolution.
  • Looking at a $60K emergency power system for Borough Hall/police station and plan to use a  $30K from the state to help pay for it. Evaluating ways to make a little money on the old generator by selling it.
Public Works Report. ....................................................................... Melinda Keen

Mayor’s Report........................................................................... John P. Hagan, II
John Hagan has not made a decision about running for mayor next year.  He plans to make a decision in the next week or two upon completion of some medical tests he’s currently having done.  The Mayor complimented Council for doing an excellent job keeping costs under control and managing priorities.  Mayor Hagan stated, “You’ve put the Borough first without regard to politics.”  Finished with a message of Christmas through the ages. 

PABA. ............................................................................................... Eric Jamison

No Report from PABA.  Council talked about the town tree lighting ceremony last night, the Octorara Middle School band did a nice job. About 100 people were in attendance.

Solicitor’s Report..................................................................... John S. Carnes, Jr.

The Borough agreed to an early dedication of the roads in the Parkesburg Knoll development as well as a reduction of the escrow.

Unfinished Business

New Business

• Motion to enact Ordinance 488 – An Ordinance of Parkesburg Borough, Chester County, Pennsylvania, Establishing Taxes and Fixing Tax Rates for the Fiscal Year 2011
  • For the 4th straight year with no tax increase. Passed unanimously
 Motion to Adopt 2011 Budget

  •  2010 - $1,000+/- surplus bringing the fund balance to about $100,000
  • 2011 budget $3,240,025
  • Not sure about health insurance rate going into the New Year which could significantly impact the budget.
The 2011 budget passed unanimously

Council President Keen thanked Borough Secretary Wendy Keegan and Manager Jim Thomas for their work controlling expenses this past year.

• Motion to enact Ordinance 489 – An Ordinance of Parkesburg Borough, Chester County, Pennsylvania, Amending Ordinance 482 to Add the West Bridge Street Bridge Project to the List of Capital Projects Authorized by Said Ordinance

Before we did State Street project we took out a construction loan. Those funds were used instead of a TAN.  This motion allows funds left over monies to be allocated to the West Bridge Street bridge project and other capital projects.  Passed Unanimously

• Motion to Adopt Resolution 2010-11 – A Resolution of the Council of the Borough of Parkesburg, Chester County, Pennsylvania, Authorizing Reducing the Subdivision Bond for Parkesburg Knoll, Phase II-A from $383,688.21 to $125,636.50

Council has reviewed progress over the last 8 months and believes the goal can be met by the end of the year.  Passed Unanimously.

• Motion to Approve Declaration of Lot Owner Obligations for Parkesburg Knoll Phase II-A

Done in conjunction with the dedication of the roads.  Usually the roads are not dedicated until all the houses are built.  There are still several lots where no house has been built.  The developer agreed to leave $5000 per lot in escrow to protects the Borough.  Passed Unanimously

• Motion to Adopt Resolution No. 2010-12 – A Resolution of the Council of the Borough of Parkesburg Accepting a Deed of Dedication for Streets Consisting of Portions of W. Seventh Avenue, S. Culvert Street and W. Sixth Avenue Offered by the Reserve at Parkesburg Knoll, LLC (As Well as Fifty Foot Right-of-Way in Which Said Streets Are Located) to Be Made a Part of the Public Road System of the Borough of Parkesburg Subject to a Maintenance Agreement and Bond Assuring the Structural Integrity of the Public Improvements Herein Accepted for a Period of Eighteen (18) Months and Conditioned Upon the Borough Solicitor Confirming That No Further Encumbrances or Liens Are Placed Upon the Dedicated Property Which Affect a Partial Release of Mortgages Relating Thereto.

The streets in Parkesburg Knoll, Phase II-A become the property of the Borough of Parkesburg.  Passed unanimously.   

Developer paid $13,828 for all the engineering work associated with the project bringing the project and developer current with the borough.

Committee Reports:
Parks & Recreation. ......................................................................... Kathleen Rick

Received check for $2,100 from football group
Baseball group will be sending a check

Progress & Development. .................................................................. Sharon Wolf

There is a series of meeting zoning ordinance Mr. Grafton will attend.  The meetings are scheduled for January 20th, February 8th, March 8th at 7:00 PM at Borough Hall on First Avenue.

Streets & Property............................................................................ Melinda Keen

We have several business that will be occupying several vacant storefronts on First Avenue and Main Street.

Finance. ........................................................................................ Charles Persch

Police & Fire.................................................................................. Charles Persch

            Richard Klinger is the new Fire Chief

Library Board Representative. ......................................................... Melinda Keen

The library is showing a $32,000 deficit and are having a fund raiser.
To get state funding they need to be open a certain number of hours.  Cost containment has forced them to cut hours.

Emergency Management Coordinator. ............................................. Richard Irwin

Public Comments

Council Comments

Noted by Council VP Kathy Rick that the new fire chief has not reported to council and expressed a desire to see him and have a fire company report more often.

Adjournment

Scheduled Public Meetings:

Committee Time Date Location (All meetings at Borough Hall, 315 First Avenue)
  • Parks & Recreation 6:00 p.m. Monday, January 3rd
  • Progress 6:30 p.m. Monday, January 3rd
  • Streets & Property 7:00 p.m. Monday, January 3rd
  • PABA 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 5th
  • Finance 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 13th
  • Fire & Police 6:00 p.m. Thursday, January 13th
2011 Scheduled Council Meetings:
  • January 17th
  • February 21st
  • March 21st
  • April 18th
  • May 16th
  •  June 20th
  •  July 18th
  • August 22nd
  • September 19th
  • October 17th
  • November 21st
  • December 19th

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Fridy Will Return As Guest Conductor

Former Octorara High School Band Director Jere Fridy will return as guest conductor at the holiday concert next Tuesday night, Dec. 21. Fridy, of Penn Township, taught at the high school for 35 years and retired in 1997.

He said he was called recently by the current band director Scott Cullen, who told him that alumni from the 1970s were interested in having him return to conduct a few numbers for the Christmas concert at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

“It’ll be one or two songs, “In the Bleak Midwinter” by Gustav Holst and “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson, Fridy said.
 

Churches of Parkesburg


Bethany A.M.E. Church at 405 Green Street, 610-857-5559, Rev. Stacey Jones-Robinson 

Common Clay Christian Fellowship at 305 Strasburg Ave, 610-857-2236


Parkesburg United Methodist Church, 411 Main Street, 610-857-9422 


First Presbyterian Church, 511 Main Street, Rev. Erin Kobs, 610-857-5800  http://www.parkesburgpc.com/index.php



Parkesburg Mennonite Church, 44 East Second Avenue, 610-857-376,    1http://www.parkesburg.pa.us.mennonite.net/


Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church, 601 West Second Avenue, 610-857-3510, www.olcchurch.org


Parkesburg Baptist Church , 103 West Street, 610-857-9135, www.parkesburgbaptist.org


Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 400 West Second Avenue, 610-857-9176  http://mysite.verizon.net/bizx4h4z/index.html


Church of the Open Bible, 101 East First Avenue, 610-857-3887, http://www.cotobible.com/
 

Friday, December 17, 2010

Residential Rental of the Week


103 Chestnut Street

Twin directly across from the Catholic church.  Three bedroom brick, with one large bath, living room, dining room and eat in kitchen.   Hard floors throughout.  Oak in the living and dining room. Full basement with laundry hook-ups.  Front porch and deck. New hot air oil furnace with 24/7 service contract, water heater and windows.  100 amp service with breakers.

$1000.00 month plus 2 months security and all utilities.
Empty, clean and ready for move in!.

Contact landlord Mel Keen at 610-857-3018 for more information about the property.




Wednesday, December 15, 2010

When Bob Hume Speaks. . .

At the December 6th Octorara Area School Board meeting Bob Hume, Parkesburg's representative on the board. made the following statement as recorded by the board's secretary.

For the record the State Rep Mr. Hume, a registered Republican, mentions midway through his statement is Democrat Tom Houghton.  Although Representative Houghton received a majority of votes in Parkesburg he lost the district wide election this past November when Houghton, like many Democrats, was swept out of office without regards to his hard work on our behalf.

Last month a letter was presented by a group of parents that were interested in what is going on at the Intermediate School. Mr. Hume thanked them for their interest. He said he doesn’t think people understand the financial situation the District is in. He said they want smaller class size and added instruction. 

Mr. Hume feels the principal would like that as well. He said it is the job of the Board to stay within financial boundaries. He said we haven’t added anything for ten years. He said he doesn’t understand why the booster clubs and other clubs aren’t upset because they are the ones who have to pay for things.

Mr. Hume feels this is not right. He said the state legislators have taken away a tremendous amount of tax base. He said ten years ago the Economic Council and the County Commissioners paid $50,000 for a study. This study said we should have a bigger tax base and no one has done anything about it.

He went to County Commissioner Carol Aichele and presented information. She said she would help but only came to one meeting because there was a problem concerning bylaws.

Mr. Hume feels the Board should join forces with the booster clubs and any other club that is interested and explain the financial situation of the District. He said $170,000,000 of assessed value has been taken away. 

He said for ten years the Board has been asking the superintendent to cut here and there. He feels we are behind in giving the students what they need because we don’t have the funding to do it.

He thinks people need to speak up and call the legislators and tell them what is going on. He feels the state legislators don’t care about the District. He said we did have one legislator who was concerned about the District. He had people come in and talked about revitalization. He was voted out. Mr. Hume said he was the only legislator that made an attempt to assist our District. 

He feels we need to do something to get the legislators attention and rile up the people that are concerned about the District. Mr. Hume feels the booster clubs would be a good place to start. He said he believes if we are going to offer a sport at the District, we should fund it.

Mr. Hume feels the budget will be sickening. He believes it is immoral for a group of people to take away $170,000,000 from a school district and not replace it.

Well said Bob!

Mapping Parkesburg

Distribution of racial and ethical groups across Parkesburg



Household income across Parkesburg


Find additional maps here.

Are School Taxes Going Up?

While Parkesburg Borough Council holds the line for the 3rd straight year on property taxes, judging from the notes on Octorara Report, it looks like the school district is again in the proverbial (red) financial corner and looking to raise taxes on district property owners.

Here are the notes from the 2011 - 2012 budget discussion that took place during Monday evening's board meeting:

A. Budget – Dan Carsley

The powerpoint presentation will be on the district website in the future.  I will hit some important points Mr. Carsley made during his presentation.

The budget process will include not only the 2011-12 school year, but future years to prepare for expected large expenditures (PSERS and healthcare in particular).

Mr. Carsley pointed out that "any Act 1 taxes not levied will be lost forever."  All school districts are mindful of this.

Some school districts in our area have lost assessment values equal to their Act 1 index - so they are starting their budgets in the red.

Increases in expenses above the Act 1 index will require equal reductions in other areas.

The budget for 2009-10 expected to use $712,000 of fund balance to balance.  The actual revenues & expenses were at breakeven. 

2009-10 Revenue Breakdown
Federal          6%
State             26%
Local           68%

Investment Income & Earned Income Tax were significantly lower than prior years.  EIT was approx. $2,000,000 in 2008-09 and was approx. $ 1,500,000 in 2009-10.  The budget for this year is about the same.

The Act 1 index for Octorara for 2010-11 is 1.8% (1.4% + adjustments )

Estimates for 2010-11 (differences from current budget)

Revenue differences
Real Estate Tax Revenue based on index         $  600,000  [more funds]
Basic Education (Fed portion)                          (  647,108) [less funds]
Federal Revenue                                               (  500,000) [less funds]

Net Revenue Change                                        $(548,108)  [less funds]                     

Expense Differences
Salaries                                                           $(478,099)  [spending more]
Benefits (Healthcare & Retirement)          (423,793)  [spending more]
Other Prof Services                                            249,003   [spending less]
Tuition (Charter schools)                                  (602,500) [spending more]
Capital Expeditures                                           (125,897) [spending more]
Debt Service                                                      (310,000) [spending more]

Net Expense Change                                     $ (1,691,286) [spending more]

Total Change                                                $ (2,239,394) [spending more]


This shows that we are starting with a $2,2 million deficit.

Preliminary Act 1 Exceptions are about $1 million.

Mr. Ganow asked if  there was any good news.

Mr. Hume had some questions about charter schools.  Mr. Carsley explained that the state will reimburse us up to 30% of charter school costs.  Last year we got about 25%.  We paid charter schools about $1.8 million last year.

Mr. McCarter wanted to know how a voucher system would impact our budget.  Dr. Newcome replied that it would depend on the specifics of the program.   There is no way to know until it is created.  He did note that if no new money is put into the state pot, then we would get less money if people took advantage of it.

Mr. Carsley said that the Basic Education budget could go down to the 2007-08 levels.

Mr. Norris asked about the multi-year budget.  He was looking for information specific to the fund balance. Mr. Carsley didn't have the file with him.  He explained that the model uses the base index and some basic assumptions.  It shows that if nothing changes with funding other than the index & using conservative increases in spending, we would be out of money in 3 years.

Mr. Hume asked some questions about the State Tax Equalization Board.

Mr. Malone asked for a timeline.  Mr. Carsley said that the budget would be advertised Jan. 7, 2011.  The preliminary budget needs to be approved Jan. 17th.

Dr. Newcome said that the Administration has been working on expenses.

The Finance Committee is looking at ways to inform the public.  They are looking at a special meeting for the public with Mr. Carsley presenting.  There is also the possibility of some town hall type meetings.

Mr.Carsley will have the model at the next meeting.

Mr. McCarter asked what effect House Bill 2497 had.   (This was the PSERS bill).  Mr. Carsley stated that it just "kicks the can down the road."

You get find a review of the entire meeting here.

Mental Health Break

This popped up on my satirical The Onion desk calendar yesterday.  Any grandparent has to admit it hits a bit too close to home.
Enjoy...

Parkesburg Arms Menu

On Saturday I posted a piece on the venerable Parkesburg Arms, asking what was happening with the place.

While writing the post I reached out to Gerry Treadway for some history about the place.  Gerry, like any good author, directed me to his Parkesburg Bottles book where this Arms menu circa 1940's is reprinted.

Note the selection and the prices. Swiss steak for $1.  I'm so there!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Historic Home Now Special Events Venue


In 1896 Horace Beale, the Iron Master of the Parkesburg Iron Company, completed reconstruction of the former Parke Mansion, spending over one hundred sixty five thousand dollars. The renovations included the east and the west wing of the home, and a total of twelve fire places built with ceramic from every continent of the world.

Today the Beale Manor serves as a wonderful venue for banquets, parties, showers, and wedding receptions.

The ornate Victorian-Style first floor contains three large rooms: the Meadow View Room, the Fireside Room, and the Parlor. One or all of these rooms are available for any special events.

Shop local, shop Parkesburg!  Check out the Beale Manor web site or call 610.857.5555 to make reservations for your next special event.

Parkesburg's House of the Week


530 First Avenue, Parkesburg

Well Maintained 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath traditional colonial with front porch, original hardwood wide plank chestnut floors.

Type:        Single Family
Sq ft:         2,079
Style:        Colonial
Price:        $179,900
Lot Size:   0.26 Acre(s)
Yr Built:   1900

Read more about the house here.