Lower Saucon EAC reviews open‑space fund breakdown, plans subcommittee for program revision

The Lower Saucon Township Environmental Advisory Council reviewed detailed fund information for the township’s Open Space Program and agreed to form a subcommittee to propose revisions to the program and its use of funds.

Committee members said the packet shows roughly $11 million in the open‑space fund in total, with about $2.387 million currently allocated for maintenance and roughly $8.9 million identified for acquisition. Members discussed that some large, one‑time outlays in recent years (one example discussed at length was an approximately $500,000 expenditure) have significantly affected maintenance balances, and that most purchases historically have been conservation easements rather than outright fee‑simple acquisitions.

Speakers clarified funding mechanics: the open‑space revenue originated from a referendum (a 0.25‑mill property tax) that has since expired, so future receipts will be limited largely to delinquents, grants and interest; the committee noted the fund is effectively static for planning purposes. Members asked staff for a year‑by‑year breakdown and said they will convene an open‑space subcommittee to examine criteria for acquisitions and maintenance budgeting. The committee also discussed engaging the township solicitor and heritage/partner organizations to guide acquisitions and owner outreach.

Next steps: form the subcommittee, request detailed year‑by‑year fund breakdowns from township staff and schedule a follow‑up meeting to draft recommended revisions.