What goes into adopting the yearly township budget? Here is an outline.
The formal process (although preparations are year-round) began in August. As you can see each year the proposed budget is put on the Twp. website for public review and comment well before we vote on final adoption. We also hold numerous public hearings in October giving residents the chance to offer feedback on multiple occasions. All public hearings will be recorded and placed online for residents to review at your convenience.
Here is the schedule:
Lower Macungie Township Schedule for 2019 Budget Preparation
August 3, 2018 – Letter to Professional Service Providers went out Requesting Rates. Emails were sent to Community Organizations and Committees soliciting budget requests. This includes the Library and Fire Dept.
August 20th, 2018 – Distributed Budget Packets to Township Departments – Public Works (Includes Parks, Facilities, Roads and Sewers), Community Center, Planning (includes Zoning, Code Enforcement and Permits), Finance & Accounting.
September 7th, 2018 – Obtained Department Budgets with explanations
September 10th, 2018 – Obtained Budget Requests from Community Organizations & Committees. (Includes the Fire Dept., and Library) Obtained 2019 rates from professional services. (Includes solicitor and Engineer)
September 14th, 2018 – Began First Budget Draft (Internal Review)
September 28th, 2018 – Draft Budget will be Submitted to the Board of Commissioners for Review. This is Commissioners first chance to review the entire draft document.
October 15th, 2018 – Board of Commissioners’ Public Workshop #1 @ 7 p.m. Opportunity for Public Comment
October 22, 2018 – Board of Commissioners’ Public Workshop #2 @ 7 p.m. Opportunity for Public Comment
October 29, 2018 – Board of Commissioners’ Public Workshop #3 @ 7 p.m. Opportunity for Public Comment
September 5th – Finalize Budget (internal review)
September 9th – Budget Distributed to BOC (internal deadline)
September 15th – First Public Reading of Budget, Public Advertising for Inspection and Ordinance
Nov. 16 – Dec. 20, 2018 – Public Inspection
December 20, 2018 – First opportunity for adoption of 2019 Budget BOC Meeting 7 p.m.
