Board of Supervisors looks to hire an outside consultant to evaluate township
By Jamie Richard, Staff Writer, CoatesvilleTimes.com
East Fallowfield Supervisors Mark Toth (left) and Joseph Pomorski review the 2012 proposed budget.
EAST FALLOWFIELD – Residents expressed concerns over East Fallowfield’s 2012 budget at the board of supervisors meeting Monday.
Prior to the regularly scheduled meeting, the board held a workshop to adopt the 2012 budget for the township. Residents were primarily concerned over the budget’s deficit, which, according to township supervisor Ed Porter, is projected at $140,306.
“Is that acceptable to the board?” asked resident Robert King. “We’re looking at another deficit.”
Board chairman Chris Makely informed King that there was little that could be done about the deficit.
“It has to be [acceptable]…we’re looking at another deficit and taking money out of the general fund to finance the township…we’re gonna run out of money soon,” Makely said.
Makely informed residents that even if the earned income tax came in higher than anticipated, the township would still face a deficit of at least $70,000. Makely also stated that there were very few cuts that could be made to alleviate the deficit.
“The only places that you are going to make an impact in seeing a substantial amount of money…is employees, labor. That’s where you’re going to see numbers,” Makely said.
In an effort to help balance the budget, the board is looking to hire David Fiorenza as a part-time consultant to evaluate the township. Fiorenza has been contracted as a consultant for several townships and boroughs in the area, including South Coatesville and Kennett Square. Currently, Fiorenza serves as a professor of economics at Villanova University. The board hopes that Fiorenza’s expertise will give them guidance on how to run the township more efficiently.
“We’re looking to have a professional tell us what we need to do to make this more efficient,” Makely said.
The board plans to hire Fiorenza for a period of up to 90 days. Should he accept, Fiorenza is to be paid $65 per hour up to 20 hours per week. Fiorenza is to examine all areas of the township, with exception to the police force, and is to supply the board with a list of recommendations at the end of his contract. Makely assured residents that he was willing to follow Fiorenza’s recommendations, no matter how difficult some of the decisions may be.
“We’d be wasting money, we’d be throwing money away if we did not go by an expert’s opinions,” Makely said.
Several residents expressed disapproval to hiring Fiorenza. Resident Sharon Scott felt it was unnecessary to hire an outside consultant, claiming it was the board’s responsibility to look into these matters.
“I do not need Dave Fiorenza to spend $18,000 to analyze this township…you wanted to be supervisors, you should know and study,” said Scott.
Other business included the hiring of Rosemary Moore to the full-time position of treasurer and office administrator. Moore currently serves the township as a part-time bookkeeper.
The East Fallowfield Board of Supervisors will hold their next regularly scheduled meeting on Feb. 28.
CAPTION: Board supervisors Mark Toth and Joseph Pomorski review the 2012 proposed budget.
